Question

describe the major body cavities, and the membranes that line these cavities and cover internal organs

Answer 1

The major body cavities are: Cranial Cavity, Pleural Cavity, Pericardial cavity, and Peritoneal cavity.

1) Cranial Cavity: This is the cavity enclosing the Brain. It is bound by the meninges, which are, from outside to inside, Dura mater, Arachnoid mater, and Pia mater.  

2) Pleural Cavity: This is the cavity containing the lungs. It is covered by two layers of Pleura: outer Parietal Pleura and Inner Visceral Pleura.

3) Pericardial Cavity: This is the cavity containing the Heart. It is bound by the serous membrane called Pericardium, which has 2 layers: outer Fibrous pericardium and inner Serous pericardium.

4) Peritoneal Cavity: This is the largest body cavity and encloses all the abdominal and pelvic organs. It is bounded by the two layered Peritoneum, consisting of outer Parietal and inner Visceral Peritoneum.