2 Major Body Cavities

Dorsal body cavity (DBC) and ventral body cavity (VBC)

Cranial cavity in DBC

contains brain enclosed by cranium

Vertebral canal in DBC

contains spinal cord enclosed by vertebrae

(TC) Thoracic cavity in VBC

cavity above diaphragm with the rib cage

Right/Left pleural cavities in TC

contain lungs

Pericardial cavity in TC

contains the heart

(ApC) Abdominopelvic cavity in VBC

below diaphragm

Abdominal cavity in ApC

Contains digestive organs

Pelvic cavity in ApC

Contains bladder and reproductive organs

Parietal membranes

Line the wall of the cavity

Visceral membranes

Line the external surface of the organs

Meninges

Three membrane layers lining the dorsal cavity