Body Cavities Overview

Body Cavities Overview

• Body cavities are spaces within the body that house and protect internal organs.
• They are divided into various categories based on location and function.

Cranial Cavity

• Encloses and protects the brain.
• Located within the skull.

Thoracic Cavity

• Houses organs within the chest, including the heart and lungs.
• Separated from the abdominal cavity by the diaphragm.

Ventral Cavity

• Consists of the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
• Positioned at the front (ventral) part of the body.

Diaphragm

• A muscular wall separating the thoracic cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity.
• Plays a vital role in respiration by contracting and expanding the lungs.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

• Combination of the abdominal and pelvic cavities.
• Contains organs related to digestion, reproduction, and excretion.

Abdominal Cavity

• Encloses organs such as the stomach, liver, and intestines.
• Located superiorly in the abdominopelvic cavity.

Pelvic Cavity

• Contains the urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum.
• Located inferiorly in the abdominopelvic cavity.

Vertebral Canal

• A passageway formed by the vertebral column.
• Houses the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Dorsal Cavity

• Comprised of the cranial and vertebral cavities.
• Located at the back (dorsal) side of the body.

Pericardial Cavity

• The space surrounding the heart.
• Part of the thoracic cavity, provides protection and allows heart movement.

Pleural Cavity

• Contains the pleural fluid and exists between the layers surrounding the lungs.
• Provides lubrication and reduces friction during breathing.