What are the main functions of body cavities?

Body cavities protect vital organs from injury, allow movement and expansion of organs like the lungs and intestines, and organize organs by function, such as grouping digestive or reproductive systems together.

Which organs are located in the thoracic cavity?

The thoracic cavity contains the lungs, heart, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels. It is subdivided into pleural cavities for the lungs and the pericardial cavity for the heart.

What is the difference between the abdominal and pelvic cavities?

The abdominal cavity proper houses digestive organs like the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and kidneys. The pelvic cavity contains the urinary bladder, rectum, reproductive organs, and terminal intestines.

What are serous membranes and what do they do?

Serous membranes are thin, double-layered linings that cover organs and line body cavities. They reduce friction during organ movement with fluid between their visceral and parietal layers. Examples include pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum.

What clinical conditions are associated with inflammation of serous membranes?

Inflammation of serous membranes causes conditions like pleuritis (pleura inflammation, leading to pleural effusion), pericarditis (pericardium inflammation, causing pericardial effusion), and peritonitis (peritoneum inflammation, associated with ascites).

What is the vertebral canal and what does it contain?

The vertebral canal is a body cavity formed by the vertebrae that houses and protects the spinal cord.

Body Cavities – Thoracic, Abdominal, Pelvic & Serous Membranes