Which pleura is the membrane that directly covers the lungs?

• A. Visceral pleura
• B. Parietal pleura
• C. Avaginal pleura
• D. Endothoracic pleura

Answer: (A)

The visceral pleura is the membrane that directly covers the lungs. This layer of pleura is in direct contact with the lung tissue, encasing the lobes of the lungs and following their contours. Its primary function is to provide a protective barrier and reduce friction between the lungs and the thoracic cavity during breathing movements.

The parietal pleura, on the other hand, lines the inner surface of the chest cavity and is not in direct contact with the lung tissue. It is separated from the visceral pleura by pleural fluid, which helps reduce friction and allows smooth movement as the lungs expand and contract. The avaginal pleura and endothoracic pleura are less commonly referenced in this context, with the avaginal pleura typically referring to a specific area associated with certain structures and the endothoracic pleura being a layer that separates the pleural cavity from the surrounding structures within the thoracic wall. Thus, the visceral pleura is correctly identified as the membrane that directly adheres to the lungs.