Which ventral cavity subdivision lacks bony protection?

The abdominal cavity is characterized by its lack of bony protection, which differentiates it from the other subdivisions of the ventral cavity. This cavity is situated between the diaphragm, which is the muscular structure that separates it from the thoracic cavity above, and the pelvic cavity below. Unlike the thoracic cavity, which is surrounded by the rib cage, and the cranial cavity, which is protected by the skull, the abdominal cavity is primarily supported by muscular walls and connective tissues.

Furthermore, while the pelvic cavity is located within the bony pelvis, it does have some structural support from the bones, distinguishing it from the abdominal cavity. Therefore, the absence of bony encasement in the abdominal cavity is a distinct feature, allowing for greater mobility of the internal organs housed within it, such as the stomach, intestines, and liver. This lack of protection also means it is relatively vulnerable to trauma compared to the bony encasements of the thoracic and cranial cavities.