GNM 1st Year Anatomy and Physiology – Body Cavities and Their Contents | 5 Marks Questions with Answers | NursingNotesGNM

 

GNM 1st Year Anatomy and Physiology – Body Cavities and Their Contents | 5 Marks Questions with Answers

By NursingNotesGNM | Updated for GNM Final Exam 2026

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Introduction 

Body cavities and their contents is a very important topic in GNM 1st Year Anatomy and Physiology. Questions from this chapter are frequently asked as 5 marks short notes / short essays in GNM Final Exams, ANM, Staff Nurse, NORCET, AIIMS, and various State Nursing Examinations.

At NursingNotesGNM, these 5 marks questions with answers are prepared strictly according to the INC syllabus, written in simple nursing language, and structured to help students score full marks in examinations.

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Important 5 Marks Questions with Answers – Body Cavities (GNM)

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1. Define body cavity and classify body cavities

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 divided into two main types:

1. Dorsal Body Cavity

   • Cranial cavity – contains the brain

   • Vertebral (spinal) cavity – contains the spinal cord

2. Ventral Body Cavity

   • Thoracic cavity

   • Abdominopelvic cavity (abdominal + pelvic)

Body cavities provide protection and support to vital organs.

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2. Describe the dorsal body cavity with its contents

Answer:
The dorsal body cavity is located on the posterior side of the body and protects the central nervous system.

Parts and Contents:

1. Cranial Cavity

   • Contains the brain

   • Protected by skull

2. Vertebral (Spinal) Cavity

   • Contains the spinal cord

   • Protected by vertebral column

Functions:

• Protects brain and spinal cord

• Helps in coordination and control

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3. Describe the thoracic cavity and its contents

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

Subdivisions and Contents:

1. Right and Left Pleural Cavities

   • Each contains one lung

2. Mediastinum

   • Contains heart, trachea, esophagus, major blood vessels

Functions:

• Protects heart and lungs

• Helps in respiration

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4. Describe the abdominal cavity and its contents

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

Contents:

• Stomach

• Liver

• Spleen

• Pancreas

• Small intestine

• Part of large intestine

• Kidneys

Functions:

• Digestion and absorption

• Storage of food

• Protection of abdominal organs

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5. Describe the pelvic cavity and its contents

Answer:
The pelvic cavity is located below the abdominal cavity.

Contents:

• Urinary bladder

• Rectum

• Reproductive organs

  • Uterus and ovaries (female)

  • Prostate gland (male)

Functions:

• Storage of urine

• Reproduction

• Defecation

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6. Write a short note on body cavity membranes

Answer:
Body cavity membranes protect and support organs.

Types of Membranes:

1. Pleura – Covers lungs

2. Pericardium – Covers heart

3. Peritoneum – Lines abdominal cavity

4. Meninges – Cover brain and spinal cord

Functions:

• Reduce friction

• Provide protection

• Allow smooth movement of organs

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GNM Exam Writing Tips – NursingNotesGNM

• Start answers with a clear definition

• Write point-wise with headings

• Mention cavity contents clearly

• Draw neat labeled diagrams where possible

• Maintain word limit for 5 marks

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