Cavities of the Body.docx

Cavities of the Body A cavity, in anatomical terms, is a hollow space within the body that houses organs, tissues, or other structures. [Purpose:] 1. Protection: Cavities protect the organs from physical damage. 2. Support: They help maintain the organs in their proper position. 3. Movement...

Cavities of the Body A cavity, in anatomical terms, is a hollow space within the body that houses organs, tissues, or other structures. [Purpose:] 1. Protection: Cavities protect the organs from physical damage. 2. Support: They help maintain the organs in their proper position. 3. Movement and Expansion: They allow for the necessary movement and expansion of organs, such as lung inflation and stomach expansion. 4. Separation: Cavities separate different organ systems to ensure proper functioning and minimize the spread of infections or diseases. **[Dorsal Body Cavity]** The dorsal body cavity is located along the back (posterior) part of the body and is divided into two smaller cavities: 1. Cranial Cavity - Location: Within the skull. - Contents: Houses the brain. 2. Spinal (Vertebral) Cavity: - Location: Runs along the vertebral column. - Contents: Contains the spinal cord. **[Ventral Body Cavity]** The ventral body cavity is located along the front (anterior) part of the body and is divided into the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. 1. Thoracic Cavity: - Subdivisions: - Pleural Cavities: Two cavities, each surrounding one lung. - Pericardial Cavity: Surrounds the heart. - Mediastinum: Central compartment between the pleural cavities; contains the heart, thymus, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels. 2. Abdominopelvic Cavity: - Subdivisions: - Abdominal Cavity: - Location: Superior portion of the abdominopelvic cavity. - Contents: Contains stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, and most of the large intestine. - Pelvic Cavity: - Location: Inferior portion of the abdominopelvic cavity. - Contents: Contains urinary bladder, some reproductive organs, and the rectum. **[Smaller Cavities]** There are also several smaller cavities in the body: 1\. Oral (Buccal) Cavity: - Location: Mouth. - Contents: Contains the teeth and tongue. 2\. Nasal Cavity: - Location: Within and posterior to the nose. - Contents: Part of the respiratory system, lined with a mucous membrane. 3\. Orbital Cavities: - Location: Eye sockets. - Contents: Contain the eyes and associated muscles, nerves, and vessels. 4\. Middle Ear Cavities: - Location: Carved into the temporal bones of the skull. - Contents: Contain the bones (ossicles) that transmit sound vibrations. 5\. Synovial Cavities: - Location: Found in freely movable joints. - Contents: Contain synovial fluid which reduces friction between the articulating bones.