What body cavity contains both the cranial and vertebral cavities?

The dorsal cavity is the correct answer because it encompasses both the cranial cavity and the vertebral cavity. The cranial cavity is the space within the skull that houses the brain, while the vertebral cavity is the space formed by the vertebral column that contains the spinal cord. Together, these cavities are located along the posterior aspect of the body, defining the dorsal cavity.

In contrast, the ventral cavity primarily houses organs of the thoracic and abdominal regions, such as the heart and lungs, and does not include the cranial or vertebral cavities. The abdominal cavity contains digestive organs, and the pelvic cavity holds the organs within the pelvis, neither of which integrate the cranial and vertebral regions. Thus, the dorsal cavity is specifically related to the structures within the skull and vertebral column, making it the correct choice.