body cavity
Quick Summary
A body cavity is a hollow space within an animal's body. In vertebrates, the two primary body cavities are the thorax (chest) and the abdomen.123
The thorax houses vital organs of respiration and circulation, including the lungs and heart. It is enclosed by the rib cage, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae, and separated from the abdomen by the diaphragm.2
The abdomen is the largest body cavity and contains most of the digestive tract, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and adrenal glands. It is lined by the peritoneum, a membrane that also covers the abdominal organs. This lining creates the peritoneal cavity, which contains a small amount of fluid allowing organs to move freely. The abdomen is bounded superiorly by the diaphragm and inferiorly by the pelvic cavity.43
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