1.
abdominal cavity: Space below the chest containing organs such as the liver, stomach, gallbladder, and intestines; also called the abdomen.
2.
cranial cavity: Space in the head containing the brain and surrounded by the skull. Cranial means pertaining to the skull.
3.
diaphragm: Muscle separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities. The diaphragm moves up and down and aids in breathing.
4.
dorsal (posterior): Pertaining to the back.
5.
mediastinum: Centrally located space between the lungs.
6.
pelvic cavity: Space below the abdomen containing portions of the intestines, rectum, urinary bladder, and reproductive organs. Pelvic means pertaining to the pelvis, composed of the hip bones surrounding the pelvic cavity.
7.
peritoneum: Double-layered membrane surrounding the abdominal organs.
8.
pleura: Double-layered membrane surrounding each lung.
9.
pleural cavity: Space between the pleural membranes.
10.
spinal cavity: Space within the spinal column (backbones) and containing the spinal cord. Also called the spinal canal.
11.
thoracic cavity: Space in the chest containing the heart, lungs, bronchial tubes, trachea, esophagus, and other organs.
12.
ventral (anterior): Pertaining to the front.