CoursesAnatomyBasicsTerminologyCavities of the body

CoursesAnatomyBasicsTerminologyCavities of the body

Cavities of the body

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

Name the main cavities of the body.
Discover the main contents or features of the body cavities.

Watch video

We can all agree that learning about the organs of the body is very important, but learning about the anatomical cavities where these organs are situated is just as necessary.

The cavities of the body have several functions, which, besides the main function of housing the internal organs, includes shock absorption, compartmentalizing organs and limiting the spread of infections.

To discover the main cavities of the body, their location, borders and contents, watch the video below.

Take a quiz

If you watched the video above, you’re surely ready to test yourself with our quizzes and solidify your knowledge on the body cavities, their locations and contents.

Try out our custom quiz for a broader focus on terminology of the body.

Browse atlas

Take a closer look at the cavities of the body in the gallery below.

Summary

Key points about the cavities of the body
Main cavities of the body	Dorsal cavity: Cranial cavity, vertebral canal Ventral cavity: Thoracic cavity, abdominopelvic cavity
Main contents of body cavities	Cranial cavity: Brain Vertebral canal: Spinal cord Thoracic cavity: Mediastinum contents: Heart, trachea, esophagus Mediastinum divisions: Superior, inferior (subdivisions: anterior, middle posterior) Pleural cavity: Lungs Abdominopelvic cavity: Abdominal cavity: Gastrointestinal system, kidneys and suprarenal glands Pelvic cavity: Reproductive organs, urinary bladder, sigmoid colon and rectum

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