436 Chapter 9 Human Body Orientation
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The
thoracic cavity
is formed by the rib cage and protects the heart and lungs. A
y
portion of the rib cage forms the upper
abdominal
cavity; the rest of the abdom-
inal cavity is surrounded with soft tissue. The major organs of the abdominal
cavity are the stomach, liver, spleen, and intestines. The
pelvic cavity
is sur-
y
rounded by the bones of the pelvis and contains the urinary bladder and some
reproductive organs. Sometimes the abdominal and pelvic cavities are referred
to collectively as the
abdominopelvic cavity
(Figure
y
9.7).
thoracic cavity the ventral
body cavity that contains
the heart and lungs
abdominal cavity the
ventral body cavity that
contains the stomach, liver,
spleen, and intestines
pelvic cavity the ventral
body cavity that contains
the urinary bladder and
some reproductive organs
abdominopelvic cavity the
abdominal and pelvic
cavities; contains the
stomach, liver, spleen,
intestines, urinary bladder,
and some reproductive
organs
Thoracic
cavity
Abdominal
cavity
Pelvic
cavity
Abdomino-
pelvic cavity
Ventral
section
© Body Scientific International
Figure 9.7 The ventral cavities are the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities.
Recall Activity
1. The __________________________ cavity protects the heart and lungs.
2. The abdominal and pelvic cavities are referred to collectively as the __________________________ cavity.
3. The urinary bladder and some reproductive organs are housed in the __________________________
cavity.