Chapter 1 - Body Cavities Flashcards
Pleural cavities
hold the lungs, located in the thoracic cavity. Each is lined by the pleura, a slippery, serous membrane to reduce friction and allow lungs to expand/recoil.
Thoracic cavity
Surrounded by the chest wall and diaphragm. Contains the lungs and heart; associated organs of respiratory, cardiovascular, and lymphatic systems; inferior portion of esophagus; thymus. Subdivided into left and right pleural cavities. Separated by the mediastinum.
Mediastinum
Separates the left and right pleural cavities. A mass of connective tissue that surrounds, stabilizes and supports the esophagus, trachea, thymus, and major blood vessels going to the heart. Also contains the pericardial cavity.
Pleura
The serous membrane lining each pleural cavity
Visceral pleura
Covers the outer surface of the lungs
Parietal pleura
covers the mediastinal surface and inner body wall (PARIAH)
Pericardial cavity
A small chamber that surrounds the heart. Divided into visceral and parietal pericardium.
Abdominopelvic cavity
Extends from diaphragm to pelvis. Subdivided into abdominal cavity (superior) and pelvic cavity (inferior). Contains the peritoneal cavity.
Peritoneal cavity
a potential space located in the abdominopelvic cavity. Lined by a serous membrane, the peritoneum.
Peritoneum
A serous membrane that forms the potential space of the peritoneal cavity.
Covers superior portion of urinary bladder, the ovaries and uterus in females.
parietal peritoneum
Lines the inner surface of the body wall
visceral peritoneum
coves the organs enclosed in the peritoneal cavity
abdominal cavity
Extends from inferior surface of diaphragm to superior margins of the pelvis.
Contains:
Liver, stomach, spleen, small intestine, & most of large intestine
Retroperitoneal organs
Kidneys, pancreas
Pelvic cavity
Portion of ventral body cavity that is inferior to abdominal cavity. Walls are formed by the bones of pelvis. A layer of muscle forms the floor.
Contains:
urinary bladder, various reproductive organs, distal portion of large intestines, and inferior portion of peritoneal cavity.
Female: Ovaries and uterus (in peritoneal cavity)
Male: Prostate gland and seminal glands
Infraperitoneal
Visceral structures which extend inferior to the peritoneal cavity.
Includes:
urinary bladder, distal portions of ureters and large intestines
Viscera
The internal organs that are partially or completely enclosed by the body cavities
What are the two functions of body cavities?
- Protect delicate organs from shock and impact
2. Permit significant changes in size and shape of internal organs
Coleom
Also called the Ventral Body Cavity. Appears early in embryological development, contains the organs of the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Gradually subdivided into three chambers within the thoracic cavity, and one in the abdominopelvic cavity. (Fig. 1-9)
