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Human Body
In the chapters that follow, the structure and functions of the major organs and systems of the body will be discussed in greater detail. Cavities of the Body
For descriptive purposes the body is divided into cavities and the main organs are contained in these cavities. There are four main cavities :
(1) The Cranial Cavity contains the brain and its boundaries are formed by the bones of the skull.
(2) The Thoracic Cavity is situated in the upper part of the trunk and its boundaries are formed by the sternum, 12 pairs of ribs, the thoracic vertebrae and the diaphragm. It contains : the lungs, the heart, the trachea, the bronchi, the aesophagus and the aorta.
(3) The Abdominal Cavity is the largest cavity in the body. It is situated in the middle of the trunk and its boundaries are : the diaphragm, the abdominal walls, the lumbar vertebrae and the pelvic cavity (with which it is continuous). It contains the organs and glands involved in the digestion and absorption of food, the kidneys and the adrenal glands.
(4) The Pelvic Cavity extends from the lower end of the abdominal cavity and its boundaries are formed by the pubic bones, the sacrum and coccyx and the muscles of the pelvic floor. It contains parts of intestines, the bladder, the rectum, parts of ureters, the urethra; the uterus, ovaries (in the female); some of the organs of reproductive system (in the male).
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