GNM 1st Year Anatomy and Physiology – Body Cavities and Their Contents | 10 Marks Long Answer Questions | NursingNotesGNM

 

GNM 1st Year Anatomy and Physiology – Body Cavities and Their Contents | 10 Marks Long Answer Questions

By NursingNotesGNM | Updated for GNM Final Exam 2026

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Introduction 

Body cavities and their contents is a high‑weightage topic in GNM 1st Year Anatomy and Physiology. Questions from this chapter are frequently asked as 10 marks long answer questions in GNM Final Exams, ANM, Staff Nurse, NORCET, AIIMS, and various State Nursing Examinations.

At NursingNotesHub, these answers are written strictly as per the INC syllabus, in simple nursing language, and arranged systematically with headings, subheadings, and diagram prompts to help students score maximum marks.

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Important 10 Marks Long Answer Questions – Body Cavities (GNM)

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1. Define body cavity and describe the classification of body cavities with diagrams

Answer:
A body cavity is a hollow space within the body that contains, protects, and allows movement of internal organs.

Classification of Body Cavities:

Body cavities are classified into two main groups:

1. Dorsal Body Cavity

Located on the posterior aspect of the body and protects the central nervous system.

• Cranial cavity – Contains the brain

• Vertebral (spinal) cavity – Contains the spinal cord

2. Ventral Body Cavity

Located on the anterior aspect of the body.

• Thoracic cavity

• Abdominopelvic cavity (abdominal and pelvic cavities)

Functions of Body Cavities:

• Protect vital organs

• Allow organ expansion and movement

• Reduce friction between organs

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2. Describe the dorsal body cavity with its contents and functions

Answer:
The dorsal body cavity is situated along the posterior side of the body and encloses the organs of the central nervous system.

Parts and Contents:

1. Cranial Cavity

• Contains the brain

• Protected by the skull

2. Vertebral (Spinal) Cavity

• Contains the spinal cord

• Protected by the vertebral column

Functions:

• Protection of brain and spinal cord

• Control and coordination of body activities

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3. Describe the thoracic cavity with its subdivisions and contents

Answer:
The thoracic cavity is located in the chest region above the diaphragm.

Subdivisions:

1. Right Pleural Cavity – Contains right lung

2. Left Pleural Cavity – Contains left lung

3. Mediastinum – Central space

Contents of Mediastinum:

• Heart (in pericardial cavity)

• Trachea

• Esophagus

• Major blood vessels

Functions:

• Protection of heart and lungs

• Helps in respiration and circulation

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4. Describe the abdominal cavity with its contents and functions

Answer:
The abdominal cavity is the largest cavity of the body located below the diaphragm.

Contents:

• Stomach

• Liver

• Spleen

• Pancreas

• Small intestine

• Part of large intestine

• Kidneys

Functions:

• Digestion and absorption of food

• Storage of food

• Protection of abdominal organs

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5. Describe the pelvic cavity with its contents and functions

Answer:
The pelvic cavity lies below the abdominal cavity and is enclosed by the pelvic bones.

Contents:

• Urinary bladder

• Rectum

• Reproductive organs

  • Uterus and ovaries (female)

  • Prostate gland (male)

Functions:

• Storage of urine

• Reproduction

• Defecation

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6. Describe body cavity membranes with diagrams

Answer:
Body cavity membranes line the cavities and cover organs to reduce friction and provide protection.

Types of Membranes:

1. Pleura – Covers lungs

2. Pericardium – Covers heart

3. Peritoneum – Lines abdominal cavity and organs

4. Meninges – Cover brain and spinal cord

Functions:

• Reduce friction

• Protect organs

• Allow smooth movement

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GNM Exam Writing Tips – NursingNotesGNM

• Begin with a clear definition

• Use proper headings and subheadings

• Write point‑wise answers

• Draw neat, labeled diagrams

• Maintain time and word limit for 10 marks

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