Líkamshols

Líkamshols, or body cavities, are closed spaces within the body that contain and protect internal organs. In humans they are organized into dorsal and ventral groups. The dorsal body cavity comprises the cranial cavity, which houses the brain, and the vertebral (spinal) cavity, which contains the spinal cord. The ventral body cavity is larger and subdivides into the thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity; these, in turn, are lined by serous membranes and filled with serous fluid.

Within the thoracic cavity lie the pericardial cavity surrounding the heart and two pleural cavities surrounding the lungs. The abdominopelvic cavity contains the abdominal cavity (stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and other organs) and the pelvic cavity (reproductive organs, bladder, and rectum). The linings include the pericardium, pleura, and peritoneum, which are serous membranes producing lubricating fluid to minimize friction.

Embryologically, body cavities arise from the coelom, a developmentally primitive cavity, and become partitioned to form the adult compartments. The primary functions of líkamshols include providing space for organs, protecting delicate tissues, allowing organ movement and growth, and enabling fluid-mediated lubrication.

Clinical relevance: injuries or disease affecting a body cavity can impact multiple organs, as in pneumothorax (air in the pleural cavity), ascites (accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity), or pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardial cavity lining).