Body Cavities Flashcards
Abdominal Cavity
Superior portion of abdominopelvic cavity.
Abdominopelvic Cavity
Ventral cavity consisting of abdominal and pelvic cavities; contains digestive, urinary, and reproductive organs.
Cranial Cavity
Dorsal body cavity; is within skull and contains brain
Diaphragm
Major muscle of inspiration; separates thoracic from abdominal cavity.
Mediastinum
Central region of chest cavity; contains organs between lungs, including heart, aorta, esophagus, and trachea.
Parietal Layer
Outer pleural layer around lungs; lines inside of chest cavity.
Parietal Peritoneum
Outer layer of serous membrane sac lining abdominopelvic cavity.
Parietal Pleura
Outer layer of serous membrane sac lining thoracic cavity.
Pelvic Cavity
Inferior portion of abdominopelvic cavity.
Pericardial Cavity
Cavity formed by serous membrane sac surrounding heart.
Peritoneum
Membranous sac that lines abdominal cavity and encases abdominopelvic organs; kidneys are exception since they lay outside peritoneum and alongside vertebral column.
Pleura
Protective double layer of serous membrane around lungs; parietal membrane is outer layer and visceral layer is inner membrane; secretes thin, watery fluid to reduce friction associated with lung movement.
Pleural Cavity
Cavity formed by serous membrane sac surrounding lungs.
Spinal Cavity
Dorsal body cavity within spinal column that contains spinal cord.
Thoracic Cavity
Ventral body cavity in chest area containing lungs and heart.
