Lab 2 - Organ Systems and Body Cavities (Body Cavities and Membranes)

Ventral Body Cavity

The larger enclosed body cavity

Dorsal Body Cavity

Protects the fragile nervous system organs

Dorsal Body Cavity

Composed of the cranial and spinal column

Ventral Body Cavity

Composed of thoracic and abdominopelvis cavities

Ventral Body Cavity

Contains the visceral organs

Dorsal Body Cavity

The posterior body cavity

Ventral Body Cavity

Contains the mediastinum

Thoracic Cavity

Lined with pleura

Thoracic Cavity

Surrounded by ribs and chest muscles

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Lined with peritoneum

Thoracic Cavity

Contains the heart and lungs

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Located below the diaphragm

Thoracic Cavity

Further subdivided into pleural cavities and the mediastinum

Serosa (or Serous Membrane)

A thin, double layered membrane that covers the walls of the ventral body cavity and outer surfaces of the organs it contains

Serous Fluid

A clear, lubricating fluid secreted by serous membranes that reduces friction between layers as organs move and slide against each other

Parietal Serous

The layer of the serous membrane lines the internal walls of the cavity

Visceral Serous

The layer of the serous membrane that covers external surface of the organs within the cavity

Peritoneum

The specific serous membrane associated with the abdominopelvis cavity and its cavity

Pericardium

The specific serous membrane associated with the heart (the pericardial cavity)

Pleura

The specific serous membrane associated with the lungs (the pleural cavity)