Dorsal body cavity

Dorsal Body Cavity

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.

Structure

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 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

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.

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
• Cranial cavity
• Spinal cavity