Which body cavity contains both the brain and spinal cord?

The body cavity that contains both the brain and spinal cord is the dorsal cavity. This cavity is divided into the cranial cavity, which houses the brain, and the vertebral (or spinal) cavity, which contains the spinal cord. The term "dorsal" refers to the back side of the body, and it encompasses both components of the central nervous system, thereby highlighting the protective role that these cavities play in encasing and safeguarding these vital structures.

In contrast, the cranial cavity specifically refers only to the space within the skull that contains the brain. The spinal cavity pertains solely to the area that surrounds and protects the spinal cord. The ventral cavity, on the other hand, is found on the front side of the body and contains organs within the thoracic and abdominal regions but does not include either the brain or spinal cord. Therefore, the correct identification of the cavity that includes both the brain and spinal cord emphasizes the overall organization of the central nervous system within the dorsal cavity.