Which one is part of the dorsal body cavity?
options:
Abdominal cavity
Pleural cavity
Pericardial cavity
Cranial cavity
Pelvic cavity
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is Cranial cavity.
The body is divided into several cavities, and one of the main divisions is the dorsal body cavity, which is located along the posterior (back) side of the body. The dorsal body cavity consists of two primary parts: the cranial cavity and the vertebral cavity (or spinal cavity).
The cranial cavity specifically houses the brain. It is a rigid, bony structure formed by the skull, providing protection to the delicate tissues of the brain. This cavity is located within the head and is part of the central nervous system. The vertebral cavity, which is connected to the cranial cavity, houses the spinal cord. Together, these cavities are known as the dorsal body cavity.
On the other hand, the abdominal cavity and the pelvic cavity are part of the ventral body cavity, located on the anterior (front) side of the body. The pleural cavity and pericardial cavity are also within the ventral cavity. The pleural cavity surrounds the lungs, while the pericardial cavity surrounds the heart. These cavities are distinct from the dorsal body cavity as they are located in the front of the body and involve different organs.
The distinction between the dorsal and ventral cavities is important for understanding how the body’s internal structures are organized and protected. The dorsal cavity’s primary function is to protect the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, while the ventral cavity accommodates the body’s internal organs like the heart, lungs, digestive organs, and reproductive structures.