Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites and can spread between individuals. 1  Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. 2  Microorganisms that cause disease are collectively called pathogens.
The Abdominopelvic Cavity The abdominopelvic cavity extends from the diaphragm to the pelvis. It is subdivided into a superior abdominal cavity and an inferior pelvic cavity (Figure 1-11a,c). The abdominopelvic cavity contains the peritoneal cavity, a chamber lined by a serous membrane known as the peritoneum.
The pericardial cavity (surrounding the heart), pleural cavity (surrounding the lungs) and peritoneal cavity (surrounding most organs of the abdomen) are the three serous cavities within the human body.