Vertebrate Body Plan

Question 1

What are the six features that humans share with all other veterbrates?

Answer 1

1. Tube-within-a-tube body plan
2. Bilateral symmetry
3. Dorsal (hollow) nerve cord
4. Notochord and vertebrae
5. Segmentation
6. Pharyngeal arches

Question 1

Explain the tube-within-a-tube body plan.

Answer 1

Inner tubes like the respiratory and digestive organs) are inside the outer tube

Outer tube includes the outer body wall

Question 2

Explain bilateral symmetry.

Answer 2

The left halve of the body mirrors the right halve

Question 3

Explain the dorsal hollow nerve cord.

Answer 3

A feature of vertebrate embryos that develops into the brain and spinal cord.

Question 4

Explain the notochord and vertebrae

Answer 4

The notochord is a stiff rod that is replaced during development.

Remnants of the notochord persist as the disks between vertebrae

Question 5

Explain segmentation.

Answer 5

The repeating units of similar structure that run from the head along the full length of the trunk. (e.g ribs)

Question 6

Explain the pharyngeal arches.

Answer 6

They are pouches that will give rise to structures in the head and neck regions during development.

Question 7

Explain the dorsal body cavity

Answer 7

It is located posteriorly.

Consists of the cranial cavity and vertebral cavity

Question 8

Explain the ventral body cavity

Answer 8

It is larger and it is located anteriorly.

Consists of the thoracic cavity along with the abdominopelvic cavity.

Question 9

What is contained in the thoracic cavity?

Answer 9

1. The pleural cavity - lungs
2. Mediastinum - the heart and other thoracic organs like the trachea and esophagus
3. Pericardial cavity - the heart and the roots of the great vessels

Question 10

What is contained in the abdominopelvic cavity?

Answer 10

1. Abdominal cavity - digestive viscera
2. Pelvic cavity - the organs of the urinary and reproductive systems