Which statement about the dorsal body cavity is true?

Which statement about the dorsal body cavity is true?

• A. It contains only the brain
• B. It has two subdivisions: cranial and vertebral cavities
• C. It is the same as the ventral cavity
• D. It contains the heart and lungs

Answer: (B)

The dorsal body cavity is organized to protect the central nervous system and runs along the back. It has two subdivisions: the cranial cavity, which houses the brain, and the vertebral (spinal) cavity, which encases the spinal cord. So the statement describing two subdivisions is true. It is not the same as the ventral cavity, which contains the heart and lungs in the thoracic region and other organs in the abdomen and pelvis. Also, it does not contain only the brain—the spinal cord is included as well.

The dorsal body cavity is organized to protect the central nervous system and runs along the back. It has two subdivisions: the cranial cavity, which houses the brain, and the vertebral (spinal) cavity, which encases the spinal cord. So the statement describing two subdivisions is true. It is not the same as the ventral cavity, which contains the heart and lungs in the thoracic region and other organs in the abdomen and pelvis. Also, it does not contain only the brain—the spinal cord is included as well.