Page 6 - Chapter 1 Introduction to the Human Body

E. Cavities of the Body

1. Dorsal cavity.- The dorsal cavity is located toward the back of the
body and is divided into the cranial and spinal (vertebral)
cavity.
a. Cranial cavity: contains the brain
b. Spinal (vertebral) cavity: contains the spinal cord

2. Ventral cavity.- The ventral cavity is located toward the front of
the body and contains the thoracic and abdominopelvic
cavities.

a. Thoracic cavity
i. Pleural cavity: contains the lungs
ii. Mediastinum: contains the heart, great vessels, thymus
gland, esophagus, and part of the trachea
b. Abdominopelvic cavity (Figure 1-8)
i. Division into quadrants
ii. Division into regions