32 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR NURSES 



each slopes downward from its vertebral attachment, so 

 that its sternal end is considerably lower than its dorsal. 



The ribs are classed as irregular bones. The spaces 

 between the ribs are called intercostal spaces, a fact to be 

 remembered by the nurse when describing the location of 

 pain or of an eruption. 



Below the diaphragm, and above the pelvic bones, we 

 have the second cavity of the trunk, called the abdominal 



FlG. 14. First dorsal vertebra 

 and rib (Reichert). 



FlG. 15. Sixth dorsal vertebra and rib 

 (Reichert). 



cavity ; this contains the organs of digestion, which will be 

 considered when discussing visceral anatomy. 



The pelvis is a basin-like cavity, formed by the sa- 

 crum, coccyx, and two ossa innominata. It is divided into 

 two parts by the brim of the pelvis or pelvic inlet. The 

 portion of the pelvic cavity above the pelvic brim is a 

 part of the abdominal cavity; the portion below is the true 



