Can you identify the organs that are in the following cavities?
An organ is a self-contained group of tissues. In the hierarchy of life, an organ lies between tissue and an organ system. Below are the organs contained in the:
a. Thoracic Cavity – is the anterior cavity's superior subdivision, and the rib cage encloses it. The lungs, the heart, a portion of the esophagus, the trachea, the thymus gland, and the thoracic duct are among the vital organs found in the thoracic cavity.
b. Cranial Cavity – the space within the skull that holds the brain. The organs in this cavity are the brain, pituitary gland, pineal gland, and hypothalamus.
c. Abdominal Cavity – the area filled by the ventral internal organs that are inferior to the diaphragm and superior to the pelvic activity. The stomach, spleen, liver, pancreas, kidneys, gallbladder, appendix, small intestine (jejunum and ileum), large intestine (colon), and adrenal glands are all located in this cavity.
d. Pelvic Cavity – bladder, reproductive organs (male: prostate, testes, penis; female: ovaries, cervix), rectum, and the distal end of the large intestine.
e. Mediastinum – It runs from the sternum to the spinal column and from the first rib to the diaphragm. It is the medial section and is located between the lungs. Except for the lungs, it contains all of the thoracic organs. The esophagus, trachea, thymus gland, and the heart and the major blood vessels connected to it are among the organs found in the mediastinum.
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References:
- Saladin, K. (2003). Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math.
- Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. H. (2017). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (15th ed.). Wiley.