Which body cavity protects the fragile nervous system organs and has two subdivisions?

• A. Ventral Body Cavity
• B. Dorsal Body Cavity
• C. Pleural Cavity
• D. Abdominal Cavity

Answer: (B)

The nervous system needs a strong, shielded wrapping, which is provided by the dorsal body cavity along the back of the body. This cavity houses the brain and spinal cord and is divided into two regions: the cranial cavity, which surrounds the brain, and the vertebral (spinal) cavity, which surrounds the spinal cord. The skull and vertebral column protect these structures, and the surrounding meninges and cerebrospinal fluid cushion and support them. The ventral body cavity, by contrast, contains most of the thoracic and abdominal organs and is separated by the diaphragm into thoracic and abdominopelvic regions, so it isn’t the primary protective enclosure for the CNS. Subdivisions like the pleural and abdominal cavities are parts of the ventral cavity, serving other organ systems. Therefore, the dorsal body cavity is the correct choice because it protects the fragile nervous system organs and has two subdivisions.