spaces in the body that help protect, separate and support internal organs.
The ventral cavity
Thoracic
is formed by the ribs, the chest
muscles, the sternum, and the
thoracic portion of the vertebral
column. Within the thoracic cavity
are the pericardial cavity, which is
a fluid filled space that surrounds
the heart, and two pleural cavities.
Each pleural cavity surrounds one
lung and contains a small amount
of fluid. The central part of the
thoracic cavity is called the
mediastinum
Abdominal
Is the superior part
that contains the
stomach, spleen,
liver, gallbladder,
small intestine,
and most of the
large intestine.
Pelvic
Is the inferior part
that contains the
urinary bladder,
portions of the
large intestine, and
internal organs of
the reproductive
system.
The dorsal cavity
Cranial
is formed by
the cranial
bones and
contains the
brain
Vertebral cavities
Is formed by the
vertebral column
and contains the
spinal cord.