What body cavity contains the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities?

The correct choice identifies the ventral cavity as the body cavity that includes the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities. The ventral cavity is oriented toward the front side of the body and is divided into the thoracic cavity, which houses the heart and lungs, and the abdominopelvic cavity, which encompasses the abdominal area containing organs such as the stomach and intestines, as well as the pelvic area where reproductive and urinary organs are located. This spatial arrangement is significant for understanding how these cavities are organized and how they interact functionally during physiological processes.

In contrast, the dorsal cavity, located on the back side of the body, includes the cranial and vertebral cavities, which contain the brain and spinal cord, respectively. The cranial cavity therefore pertains specifically to the space occupied by the brain, while the vertebral cavity houses the spinal cord. These cavities are distinctly separate and do not include the thoracic, abdominal, or pelvic cavities.