Dorsal body cavity: Difference between revisions

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'''Dorsal Body Cavity'''
{{Short description|Anatomical cavity located along the dorsal (posterior) side of the human body}}


The '''Dorsal Body Cavity''' is a fluid-filled space within the human body which houses the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. It is one of the two main body cavities, the other being the [[ventral body cavity]]. The dorsal body cavity is located along the posterior (back) portion of the body and is divided into two sections: the cranial cavity and the spinal cavity.
==Dorsal body cavity==
The '''dorsal body cavity''' is one of the two main body cavities, the other being the [[ventral body cavity]]. It is located along the dorsal (posterior) side of the human body and is subdivided into the [[cranial cavity]] and the [[spinal cavity]].


==Structure==
[[File:Scheme body cavities-en.svg|thumb|right|Diagram showing the dorsal and ventral body cavities]]


The dorsal body cavity is formed by the [[vertebral column]] and the [[cranium]], and is covered by three layers of protective membranes known as [[meninges]]. These layers, from outermost to innermost, are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
===Cranial cavity===
The cranial cavity is the space within the skull that houses the [[brain]]. It is formed by the cranial bones and provides protection to the brain. The cranial cavity is continuous with the spinal cavity, allowing the [[central nervous system]] to be enclosed within a protective bony structure.


===Cranial Cavity===
===Spinal cavity===
 
The spinal cavity, also known as the vertebral cavity, is a long, narrow cavity that runs along the back of the body. It is formed by the vertebrae of the [[spinal column]] and contains the [[spinal cord]]. The spinal cavity is continuous with the cranial cavity at the foramen magnum, where the brainstem extends into the spinal cord.
The [[cranial cavity]] is the uppermost portion of the dorsal body cavity. It is enclosed by the bones of the skull and contains the [[brain]]. The brain is further protected by the cranial meninges and cerebrospinal fluid.
 
===Spinal Cavity===
 
The [[spinal cavity]], also known as the vertebral cavity, is the lower portion of the dorsal body cavity. It is enclosed by the vertebral column and contains the [[spinal cord]]. Like the brain, the spinal cord is protected by the spinal meninges and cerebrospinal fluid.


==Function==
==Function==
The primary function of the dorsal body cavity is to protect the central nervous system. The bony structures of the skull and vertebrae provide a hard, protective barrier against physical damage. Additionally, the cerebrospinal fluid within these cavities acts as a cushion, further protecting the brain and spinal cord from injury.


The primary function of the dorsal body cavity is to protect the central nervous system. The meninges and cerebrospinal fluid provide additional layers of protection, cushioning the brain and spinal cord from injury.
==Related pages==
 
==Clinical Significance==
 
Injuries or diseases affecting the dorsal body cavity can have serious consequences, as they can impact the central nervous system. Conditions such as [[meningitis]], [[hydrocephalus]], and [[spinal cord injury]] can affect the structures within the dorsal body cavity.
 
==See Also==
 
* [[Body cavity]]
* [[Ventral body cavity]]
* [[Ventral body cavity]]
* [[Cranial cavity]]
* [[Cranial cavity]]
* [[Spinal cavity]]
* [[Spinal cavity]]
 
* [[Central nervous system]]
==References==
 
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Body cavities]]
[[Category:Body cavities]]
{{anatomy-stub}}

Latest revision as of 05:22, 16 February 2025

Anatomical cavity located along the dorsal (posterior) side of the human body


Dorsal body cavity[edit]

The dorsal body cavity is one of the two main body cavities, the other being the ventral body cavity. It is located along the dorsal (posterior) side of the human body and is subdivided into the cranial cavity and the spinal cavity.

Diagram showing the dorsal and ventral body cavities

Cranial cavity[edit]

The cranial cavity is the space within the skull that houses the brain. It is formed by the cranial bones and provides protection to the brain. The cranial cavity is continuous with the spinal cavity, allowing the central nervous system to be enclosed within a protective bony structure.

Spinal cavity[edit]

The spinal cavity, also known as the vertebral cavity, is a long, narrow cavity that runs along the back of the body. It is formed by the vertebrae of the spinal column and contains the spinal cord. The spinal cavity is continuous with the cranial cavity at the foramen magnum, where the brainstem extends into the spinal cord.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the dorsal body cavity is to protect the central nervous system. The bony structures of the skull and vertebrae provide a hard, protective barrier against physical damage. Additionally, the cerebrospinal fluid within these cavities acts as a cushion, further protecting the brain and spinal cord from injury.

Related pages[edit]