Which pleural layer covers the lungs?

Which pleural layer covers the lungs?

• A. Parietal
• B. Pulmonary
• C. Respiratory
• D. Visceral

Answer: (D)

Visceral pleura covers the lungs. It forms the inner layer that directly hugs the lung surface, following its contours and fissures and continuing at the hilum. The parietal pleura, by contrast, lines the chest wall, diaphragm, and mediastinum. The space between these layers contains pleural fluid to allow smooth movement during breathing. Terms like pulmonary or respiratory refer to the lung tissue itself, not the pleural lining.

Visceral pleura covers the lungs. It forms the inner layer that directly hugs the lung surface, following its contours and fissures and continuing at the hilum. The parietal pleura, by contrast, lines the chest wall, diaphragm, and mediastinum. The space between these layers contains pleural fluid to allow smooth movement during breathing. Terms like pulmonary or respiratory refer to the lung tissue itself, not the pleural lining.