Which pleural layer covers the surface of the lung?

• A. Visceral pleura
• B. Parietal pleura
• C. Pleural cavity
• D. Costal pleura

Answer: (A)

Visceral pleura is the layer that covers the surface of the lung. It clings directly to the lung tissue, forming a continuous membrane that follows the organ’s contours and even dips into the fissures. The parietal pleura, by contrast, lines the chest wall, the diaphragm, and the mediastinum, not the lung itself. The pleural cavity is the potential space between the visceral and parietal layers, containing a small amount of fluid to reduce friction as you breathe. The costal pleura is simply the part of the parietal pleura that lines the inner surface of the ribs. This arrangement lets the lung slide freely within the chest while staying attached, enabling efficient expansion during respiration.