Final answer:
The dorsal body cavity is divided into the cranial and spinal cavities, which house the brain and the spinal cord respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dorsal body cavity is divided into two main subdivisions: A) Cranial and spinal cavities. The cranial cavity houses and protects the brain, while the spinal cavity, also known as the vertebral cavity or spinal canal, surrounds and protects the spinal cord. Together, these cavities make up the dorsal body cavity, which is situated along the posterior side of the body. This division allows for the protection of critical central nervous system structures—the brain in the cranial cavity and the spinal cord in the spinal cavity. Understanding these subdivisions is fundamental in anatomy to comprehend the organization and protection of vital organs and structures within the body.