Body Cavities & Serous Membranes Flashcards

Study Notes

Body Cavities & Serous Membranes

Abdominal Cavity: Located between the diaphragm and pelvis, housing organs like the liver, stomach, spleen, pancreas, gall bladder, and intestines.
Pericardial Cavity: The fluid-filled space between the two pericardial membranes surrounding the heart.
Abdominopelvic Cavity: Part of the ventral cavity beneath the diaphragm, includes both abdominal and pelvic cavities.
Pericardium: Dual-layered membrane encasing the heart, functioning as a protective fibrous sac.
Cranial Cavity: Encloses the brain, situated in the skull.
Peritoneal Cavity: The space between the visceral and parietal peritoneum in the abdominal area.
Diaphragm: A significant muscle at the chest's base, essential for breathing, separating thoracic cavity from abdominal cavity.
Pleura: Double-layered membrane enveloping the lungs, providing protection and facilitating lung function.
Dorsal Cavity: Comprises the cranial and spinal cavities, housing the brain and spinal cord.
Pleural Cavity: The fluid-filled space between the lung's visceral pleura and the parietal pleura lining the rib cage.
Epicardium: Outermost layer of the heart, contributing to heart protection.
Retroperitoneal Region: Area behind the abdominal cavity containing kidneys and other organs located on the posterior abdominal wall.
Mediastinum: The central space between the lungs that contains the heart, major blood vessels, and other structures.
Spinal Cavity: Houses the spinal cord, extending from the brainstem to the lower end of the spinal cord.
Parietal Pericardium: Outermost layer of the serous membrane surrounding the heart, providing structural support.
Thoracic Cavity: Also identified as the chest cavity; contains the lungs and heart, situated superior to the diaphragm.
Parietal Peritoneum: Membrane lining the abdominal cavity wall, providing a protective barrier.
Ventral Cavity: Encompasses both thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
Parietal Pleura: Outer layer of pleura in proximity to the ribs and chest wall, aiding lung function.
Visceral Pericardium (Epicardium): Inner serous membrane directly covering the heart's surface.
Peritoneum: Double membrane that envelops most organs in the abdominopelvic cavity, excluding the kidneys.
Visceral Peritoneum: Membrane that adheres to the surfaces of abdominal organs.
Pelvic Cavity: Enclosed by the pelvic bones, containing organs related to reproductive and excretory systems.
Visceral Pleura: Membrane closest to the lungs, covering their surfaces.
Retroperitoneal Region: Contains structures not covered by peritoneum; includes kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, and parts of the aorta and inferior vena cava.