Body Cavities & Membranes Flashcards
Mediastinum
median space in the thoracic cavity; contains heart, thymus, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels of heart
Pericardium
two-layered serous membrane
Parietal pericardium
outer layer, forms the sac around the heart
visceral pericardium
forms the heart’s external surface
pericardial cavity
space between parietal and visceral layers containing serous fluid
pleura
two-layered serous membrane associated with lungs
parietal pleura
outer layer lines internal surface of thoracic wall
visceral pleura
inner layer covers external surface of lungs
pleural cavity
space between parietal and visceral layers containing serous fluid
abdominal cavity
superior area; contains most digestive system organs, kidneys, and most of the ureters
pelvic cavity
inferior area, between hip bones; contains distal part of large intestine, remainder of ureters and urinary bladder, internal reproductive organs
Peritoneum
two-layered serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity
parietal peritoneum
outer layer, which lines the internal walls of the abdominopelvic cavity
visceral peritoneum
inner layer, which covers the external surface of most abdominal and pelvic organs
Peritoneal cavity
potential space between parietal and visceral layers containing serous fluid
