Chapter 42, Problem 1U

Which of the following cavities would contain your stomach?

a. Peritoneal

b. Pericardial

c. Pleural

d. Thoracic

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The space between the parietal peritoneum and visceral peritoneum is called a peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity is filled with peritoneal fluid, which is composed of electrolytes, leukocytes, antibodies and water. This fluid has lubrication and anti-inflammatory properties.

Answer to Problem 1U

Correct answer:

The peritoneal cavity extends from the diaphragm to the floor of the pelvis. It has two divisions; abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity. Therefore, option a. is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

The peritoneal cavity is a potential space between the parietal peritoneum, which lines the abdominal wall, and the visceral peritoneum, which envelopes the abdominal organs. It is present in the stomach.

Option a. is given as “peritoneal”.

As the “peritoneal cavity surrounds the abdominal organs such as the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys intestine, and ovaries in (female)”, it is the right answer.

Hence, option a. is correct.

Reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option b. is given as “pericardial”.

Pericardial cavities enclose the heart in humans. Therefore, it is a wrong answer.

Option c. is given as “pleural”.

Pleural cavities house the lungs in humans. Therefore, it is a wrong answer.

Option d. is given as “thoracic”.

The thoracic cavity is subdivided into the pleural cavity that houses the lungs, mediastinum that surrounds the thoracic organ, and pericardial cavity that encloses heart. Therefore, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options b., c., and d. are incorrect.

Conclusion

Conclusion:

The peritoneal cavity is subdivided into; abdominal cavity that contains stomach, liver, gall bladder, spleen, small and large intestine, kidney and ureters, and pelvic cavity that contains bladder, the terminal end of the large intestine and internal reproductive organ.