Multiple Choice
What structure separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity?
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1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
Organization of the Body: Body Cavities
2:05 minutesProblem 17
Textbook Question
Which of the following relationships is incorrect?
a. Visceral peritoneum/outer surface of small intestine
b. Parietal pericardium/outer surface of heart
c. Parietal pleura/wall of thoracic cavity
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the definitions of the terms 'visceral' and 'parietal' in the context of serous membranes. 'Visceral' refers to the layer that directly covers an organ, while 'parietal' refers to the layer that lines the body cavity or wall.
Step 2: Analyze option (a): 'Visceral peritoneum/outer surface of small intestine.' Since the visceral peritoneum covers the organs within the abdominal cavity, this relationship is correct.
Step 3: Analyze option (b): 'Parietal pericardium/outer surface of heart.' The parietal pericardium lines the pericardial sac, not the heart itself. The layer covering the heart is the visceral pericardium. Therefore, this relationship is incorrect.
Step 4: Analyze option (c): 'Parietal pleura/wall of thoracic cavity.' The parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity walls, so this relationship is correct.
Step 5: Conclude that option (b) is the incorrect relationship because the parietal pericardium does not cover the outer surface of the heart; instead, the visceral pericardium does.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Visceral and Parietal Membranes
Visceral membranes directly cover the organs, while parietal membranes line the walls of body cavities. For example, the visceral peritoneum covers the outer surface of abdominal organs like the small intestine, whereas the parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity walls.
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Pericardium Structure and Function
The pericardium is a double-layered membrane surrounding the heart. The visceral pericardium (epicardium) adheres to the heart's surface, while the parietal pericardium lines the fibrous sac enclosing the heart. Understanding this distinction is key to identifying correct relationships.
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Pleura and Thoracic Cavity Anatomy
The pleura is a double-layered membrane around the lungs. The visceral pleura covers the lung surface, and the parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity walls. Recognizing which layer contacts the cavity wall helps determine correct anatomical relationships.
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