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.
FIGURE 1-11 Body Cavities. (a) The dorsal body cavity is bounded by the bones of the skull and vertebral column. The muscular diaphragm divides the ventral body cavity into a superior thoracic (chest) cavity and an inferior abdominopelvic cavity.The pericardial cavity is inside the chest cavity.IGURE 1-11 Body Cavities. (a) The dorsal body cavity is bounded by the bones of the skull and vertebral column. The muscular diaphragm divides the ventral body cavity into a superior thoracic (chest) cavity and an inferior abdominopelvic cavity.