Dorsal Cavity Overview Quiz

What does the dorsal cavity contain?

What are the two smaller cavities that the dorsal cavity is divided into?

What does the cranial cavity contain?

What does the spinal cavity hold?

What covers the brain and spinal cord?

Match the following layers of connective tissue with their description:

What is found in the space between the Arachnoid Mater and the Pia Mater?

Clear yellow fluid leaking from a casualty's ears, nose, eyes, or mouth indicates a skull fracture.

Dorsal Cavity Overview

The dorsal cavity houses the brain and spinal cord, integral components of the Central Nervous System (CNS).
It is subdivided into two main cavities: the cranial cavity and the spinal cavity.

Cranial Cavity

It protects and contains the brain, as well as the sensory organs such as the eyes and ears.

Spinal Cavity

This cavity provides protection for the spinal cord, a critical pathway for nerve signals.

Meninges

The brain and spinal cord are enveloped by three protective layers of connective tissue known as the meninges.

Layers of Meninges

The outermost layer is the Dura Mater, offering robust protection.
The middle layer is the Arachnoid Mater, which acts as a cushioning layer.
The innermost layer is the Pia Mater, which closely adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

The space between the Arachnoid Mater and Pia Mater is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which circulates within the CNS, providing nutrients and cushioning.

Indicators of Potential Injury

The presence of clear yellow fluid leaking from the ears, nose, eyes, or mouth may indicate cerebrospinal fluid leakage, suggesting a possible skull fracture.

Test your knowledge on the dorsal cavity, including its subdivisions—the cranial and spinal cavities. Explore the protective layers of the meninges and the role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in maintaining the Central Nervous System. This quiz is perfect for students studying anatomy.