cavities and serous membranes

Diaphragm

divides body from thoracic cavity and abdominal/pelvic cavities

Thoracic cavity

contains lungs and heart

Mediastinum

contains all structures of the thoracic cavity except lungs (lungs, esophagus)

Abdominal cavity

contains stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys

Pelvic cavity

contains urinary bladder, part of large intestine, reproductive organs. is separated from abdominal cavity with pelvic bones

Visceral serous membrane

“inner balloon” that touches the organ

Parietal serous membrane

“outer balloon” that touches the cavity

Cavity

serous fluid between the two membranes that is lubricating (to reduce friction) 

Pericardium

membrane around the heart

Pleura

membrane around the lungs

Peritoneum

membrane around the organs of the abdominal cavity

Mesentery

folds that create a double membrane that connects the organs together

Retroperitoneal organs

organs that just come in contact with some of the parietal peritoneum