Study Section 3 (Sept 22, 2022) Flashcards
abdominal cavity
Space below the chest containing organs such as the liver, stomach, gallbladder, and intestines; also called the *abdomen or *peritoneal cavity
cranial cavity
Space in the head containing the brain and surrounded by the skull. *Cranial means pertaining to the skull.
diaphragm
Muscle separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities. The diaphragm moves up and down and aids in breathing.
dorsal (posterior)
Pertaining to the back.
mediastinum
Centrally located space outside of and between the lungs
pelvic cavity
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
peritoneum
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.
pleura
Double-folded membrane surrounding each lung. Pleural means pertaining to the pleura.
pleural cavity
Space between the pleural layers.
spinal cavity
Space within the spinal column (backbones) containing the spinal cord. Also called the spinal canal.
thoracic cavity
Space in the chest containing the heart, lungs, bronchial tubes, trachea, esophagus, and other organs.
ventral (anterior)
Pertaining to the front.