Body cavities

Body Cavities

• Body cavities are not empty; they contain organs and are filled with visceral organs.

• These cavities are lined by membranes.

  • Membranes:

    • Thin, pliable sheets or sheet-like structures of tissues or cells.

    • Act as boundary linings and partitions for the cavities.

Types of Body Cavities

Dorsal Cavities (Posterior)

• Cranial Cavity:

  • Houses the brain and is protected by the skull.

• Vertebral Canal:

  • Houses the spinal cord and is formed by the vertebrae.

Ventral Cavities (Anterior)

• Positioned more towards the front of the body.

• Thoracic Cavity:

  • Contains vital organs related to respiration and circulation.

  • Pleural Cavity:

    • Houses the lungs.

  • Mediastinum:

    • Houses the esophagus, trachea, and heart.

    • Pericardial Cavity:

      • Surrounds the heart.

• Abdominopelvic Cavity:

  • Divided into two parts:

  • Abdominal Cavity:

    • Houses organs such as the small intestines, stomach, and liver.

  • Pelvic Cavity:

    • Contains reproductive-related and urinary-related organs.