Body Cavities and Physiological Gradients

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to body cavities and gradients as discussed in the lecture.

What is a cavity in the body?

A cavity is any fluid-filled space within the body.

What are the two main divisions of the anterior body cavity?

The thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity.

What organ is protected by the cranial cavity?

The brain.

What fluid fills the cranial and vertebral cavities?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What do pleural cavities surround?

Each pleural cavity surrounds either the left or right lung.

What does the mediastinum house?

The heart, great vessels, trachea, and esophagus.

What are the two subcavities of the abdominopelvic cavity?

The superior abdominal cavity and the pelvic cavity.

What is a gradient in physiological terms?

A gradient occurs anytime more of something exists in one area than another, in connected areas.

What drives many physiological processes?

Gradients drive processes like respiration, nutrient exchange, and urine formation.

What is the difference between a cation and an anion?

A cation is a positively charged ion, while an anion is a negatively charged ion.

What is formed when electrons are transferred between atoms in ionic bonds?

Ions (cations and anions) are formed.

What is the primary effect of opposite charges in ionic bonds?

The attraction between opposite charges bonds ions to one another forming salt.