1-8 Body Cavities

Pelvic cavity

Inferior portion. Within pelvic bones. Contains reproductive organs, rectum, and bladder.

Retroperitoneal space

Area posterior to peritoneum and anterior to muscular body wall. Contains pancreas, kidneys, ureters, and parts of the digestive tract. (Abdominopelvic cavity)

Ventral body cavity (coelom)

Divided by the diaphragm. Thoracic Cavity Abdominopelvic cavity

Body Cavaties

Essential function of body cavities: Protect organs from accidental shocks. Permit changes in size and shape of internal organs.

Serous Membranes

Line of body cavities and cover organs. Consist of Parietal layer: lines cavity Visceral layer: covers organ

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Peritoneal Cavity: chamber within abdominopelvic cavity. - Parietal peritoneum: lines the internal body wall - Visceral peritoneum: covers the organ

Thoracic Cavity

Right and left pleural cavities (contain right and left lungs) Mediastinum: upper portion filled with blood vessels, trachea, esophagus, and thymus. Lower portion contains pericardial cavity (the heart is located within the pericardial cavity)

Abdominopelvic cavity

Superior portion. Diaphragm to top of pelvic bones, contains digestive organs.