Which term refers to the space that houses the heart?

The term that refers specifically to the space that surrounds and houses the heart is the pericardial cavity. This cavity is a fluid-filled space between the two layers of the pericardium, which is the fibrous sac that encases the heart. The pericardial fluid helps reduce friction as the heart beats.

In contrast, the peritoneal cavity is related to the abdominal organs; it does not pertain to the heart. The thoracic cavity encompasses the entire chest area, including the lungs and heart but is broader than just the space for the heart alone. Lastly, the pleural cavity specifically refers to the space surrounding each lung, not the heart. Hence, the pericardial cavity is the precise term for the space that directly houses the heart.