Anatomy Terminology Quiz

Body Cavities and their Structures

• The thoracic cavity is surrounded by bone, specifically the rib cage and vertebral column.
• The membranes found in the thoracic cavity include the pleura (covering the lungs) and pericardium (surrounding the heart).

Parietal Pleura

• The parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity wall and provides a lubricated surface for lung movement during breathing.

Abdominal Cavity Contents

• The abdominal cavity houses organs such as the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, and spleen.

Anatomical Terms

• The term inferior describes a structure that is below another structure.
• The peritoneum is a membrane in the abdominal cavity that supports and houses abdominal organs while allowing movement.
• The esophagus is located posterior (toward the back) to the diaphragm.

Cavities and Their Features

• The abdominal cavity is not surrounded by bone, unlike the thoracic cavity.
• The term posterior refers to a structure that is toward the back.
• The term superior indicates a structure that is above another structure.
• A structure that is lateral is positioned away from the midline of the body.
• The term internal or visceral describes a structure situated within or interior to another structure.

Thoracic Cavity Components

• The thoracic cavity contains structures such as the heart, lungs, trachea, and esophagus.
• The pleura membranes line the chest wall and cover the lungs.
• The pericardium surrounds the heart within the thoracic cavity.

Separation and Function

• The diaphragm separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.
• The main function of the thoracic cavity is to protect vital organs involved in respiration and circulation.
• A transverse section is used to separate the body into upper and lower parts.