Abdominal cavity - Definition and Overview

The abdominal cavity is the cavity of the human body (and other animal bodies) that holds the bulk of the viscera and which is located below (or posterior to) the thoracic cavity.

Organs of the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, urinary bladder, small intestine and large intestine. The kidneys are located not in the abdominal cavity but behind it.

The abdominal cavity is lined with a protective membrane termed the peritoneum. The viscera are also covered, in the front, with a fatty layer called the omentum (or omental apron).