Body Cavities

Question 1

abdominal cavity

Answer 1

space below the chest containing organs such as the liver, stomach, gallbladder, and intestines; also called the abdomen or peritoneal cavity

Question 2

cranial cavity

Answer 2

space in the head containing the brain and surrounded by the skull. Cranial means pertaining to the skull

Question 3

diaphragm

Answer 3

muscle separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities. The diaphragm moves up and down and aids in breathing

Question 4

dorsal (posterior)

Answer 4

pertaining to the back

Question 5

mediastinum

Answer 5

centrally located space outside of and between the lungs

Question 6

pelvic cavity

Answer 6

space below the abdomen containing portions of the intestines, rectum, urinary bladder, and reproductive organs. Pelvic means pertaining to the pelvis, composed of the hip bones surrounding the pelvic cavity

Question 7

peritoneum

Answer 7

double-folded membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum attaches abdominal viscera to muscles and functions as a protective membrane (containing blood vessels and nerves) around the organs

Question 8

pleura

Answer 8

double-folded membrane surrounding each lung. Pleural means pertaining to the pleura

Question 9

pelural cavity

Answer 9

space between the pleural layers

Question 10

spinal cavity

Answer 10

space within the spinal column (backbones) containing the spinal cord

Question 11

thoracic cavity

Answer 11

space in the chest containing the heart, lungs, bronchial tubes, trachea, esophagus, and other organs

Question 12

ventral (anterior)

Answer 12

pertaining to the front