The spelling of "abdominal cavity" is derived from its pronunciation. In International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is spelled /æbˈdɒmɪnəl ˈkævəti/. The first syllable, "ab-", is pronounced with a short "a" sound, while the vowel in the second syllable is a long "o". The letter "i" in "cavity" is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The correct spelling of this term is crucial in medical fields, as miscommunication can have serious consequences. It refers to the space within the abdomen that houses organs such as the liver, stomach, and intestines.
The abdominal cavity is a anatomical term used in anatomy and physiology to describe the large internal space situated within the abdomen of a vertebrate organism. It refers to the region that is bounded by the abdominal muscles, vertebral column, and the diaphragm.
This cavity houses and protects many vital organs including the stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder, small and large intestines, and kidneys. It is enclosed by a thin, continuous membrane called the peritoneum, which lines the walls of the cavity and covers the organs within it. The peritoneum helps to support and hold the organs in place, while also providing a means for lubrication and reducing friction during movement.
The abdominal cavity plays a crucial role in various bodily functions such as digestion, absorption, and elimination. It is particularly involved in the breakdown and processing of food, as well as the absorption of nutrients and the elimination of waste products from the body. Additionally, the cavity also accommodates the expansion and contraction of the stomach and intestines during the digestive process.
Understanding the structure and function of the abdominal cavity is essential in medical fields such as surgery, as it enables healthcare professionals to accurately locate, diagnose, and treat conditions or diseases affecting the organs within this region.
The space bounded by the abdominal walls, the diaphragm, and the pelvis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "abdominal" comes from the Latin word "abdomen", which referred to the belly or abdomen. The Latin term "ab-" means "away from", and "domen" means "the belly". Therefore, "abdominal" initially described something related to or away from the belly.
The word "cavity" comes from the Latin word "cavus", meaning "hollow" or "cellar". It later evolved into "cavitas" in Latin, which specifically referred to a bodily or anatomical hollow area. Thus, "cavity" in "abdominal cavity" denotes a hollow space within the abdomen.