Body Cavities

Question 1

Purpose of cavities

Answer 1

1. protect delicate organs like the brain

2. allow organs to change shape and size

Question 2

Two main cavities in body

Answer 2

dorsal body cavity = cranial and spinal cavities

ventral body cavity = two parts separated by diaphragm; thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities

Question 3

Cranial cavity

Answer 3

formed by skull, contains the brain

Question 4

Spinal cavity

Answer 4

formed by vertebrae, contains the spinal cord

Question 5

Thoracic cavity

Answer 5

contains the heart and lungs; separated into three sub-cavities (pleural, mediastinum, and pericardial cavities)

Question 6

Pleural cavity

Answer 6

contains left and right lungs, surrounded by pleura

Question 7

Mediastinum

Answer 7

separates two pleural cavities and pericardial cavity, where respiratory passageways are found

Question 8

Pericardial cavity

Answer 8

contains the heart, surrounded by pericardium

Question 9

Serous membrane

Answer 9

membrane lining large cavities of the body and surrounding organs; consists of two layers (parietal and visceral)

Question 10

Parietal membrane

Answer 10

serous membrane closest to the walls of the cavity

Question 11

Visceral membrane

Answer 11

serous membrane closest to the organ

Question 12

Serous fluid

Answer 12

secreted by serous membrane; found in between the parietal and visceral layers

Question 13

Function of serous fluid

Answer 13

prevent adherence of structures as they move within the cavity; decrease friction

Question 14

Serous membrane of pericardial cavity

Answer 14

pericardium

Question 15

Serous membrane of pleural cavity

Answer 15

pleura

Question 16

Serous membrane of abdominopelvic cavity

Answer 16

peritoneum