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.