abdominal cavity

cavitas abdominis

The part of the ventral body cavity that is within the abdomen proper (excluding the pelvic cavity).

Type Organ
Structure parente anatomical space
Nom latin cavitas abdominis
FMA ID 12266

Questions fréquentes

What is the abdominal cavity?
The abdominal cavity (cavitas abdominis) is the part of the ventral body cavity situated within the abdomen proper, distinct from the pelvic cavity below. It is the largest body cavity and houses most of the digestive organs as well as the liver, kidneys, and spleen.
Where is the abdominal cavity located?
The abdominal cavity lies between the diaphragm above and the pelvic brim below. It is bounded anteriorly and laterally by the abdominal wall muscles, and posteriorly by the lumbar vertebrae and posterior abdominal wall.
What is the function of the abdominal cavity?
The abdominal cavity provides a protected space for the digestive organs and other abdominal viscera, allowing them to function and move relative to one another. The peritoneum lining the cavity reduces friction and carries blood vessels and nerves to the organs.
What conditions can affect the abdominal cavity?
Peritonitis (infection of the peritoneal lining), ascites (accumulation of fluid), hernias, and abdominal abscesses are common conditions affecting the abdominal cavity. Trauma can cause life-threatening internal bleeding within this space.
How is the abdominal cavity different from the pelvic cavity?
The abdominal cavity is the upper portion of the abdominopelvic cavity and contains the digestive organs and kidneys, while the pelvic cavity is the lower portion enclosed by the pelvic bones and contains the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs.

Structures associées

mucus body coating mucous body coating mucus cocoon mucous cocoon Mullerian duct ductus paramesonephricus multi cell part structure cell part cluster multicellular anatomical structure multicellular structure multilaminar epithelium laminated epithelium multi-tissue structure multi-tissue structures multi-unit eye

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.