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Anatomy
Basics
Terminology Introduction to the musculoskeletal system Introduction to the other systems
Upper limb
Overview Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Nerves and vessels
Lower limb
Overview Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Nerves and vessels
Spine and back
Overview Spine Back
Thorax
Thoracic wall Female breast Mediastinum Lungs Heart
Abdomen
Abdominal wall Peritoneum Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys and ureters Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomen
Pelvis and perineum
Pelvic girdle and floor Female pelvis and reproductive organs Male pelvis and reproductive organs Urinary bladder and urethra Perineum Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvis
Head and neck
Overview Skull Face and scalp Infratemporal region and pterygopalatine fossa Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Oral cavity Teeth Pharynx Neck
Neuroanatomy
Overview Cerebrum Diencephalon Cerebellum Brainstem Meninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Blood supply of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper limb Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower limb
Radiological anatomy
Head and neck Thorax Abdomen and pelvis Upper limb Lower limb
Histology
Types of tissues
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Cartilage and bone Muscle tissue Nervous tissue
Body systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Respiratory system Urinary system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphoid system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system Eye and ear
AnatomyBasicsTerminology
Table of contents

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Cavities of the body

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

  1. Name the main cavities of the body.
  2. 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.

Custom quiz: Terminology For a broader topic focus, try this customizable quiz.

Browse atlas

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

Ventral body cavity
Cavitas ventralis corporis humani
1/16
Synonyms: none

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

Well done!

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