The pleura
A) contains fluid between the two layers, which allows the lungs to glide over the thoracic wall with each breath.
B) includes the parietal pleura, which is directly connected to the lungs.
C) is located solely in the mediastinum.
D) secretes pleural fluid, which lubricates the alveoli and prevents them from collapsing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pleura is a thin, double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the thoracic cavity. The space between these two layers is called the pleural cavity, which contains fluid that allows the lungs to move smoothly and easily during breathing. This fluid also helps to maintain the surface tension in the alveoli, preventing them from collapsing. The parietal pleura lines the thoracic wall and the diaphragm, while the visceral pleura covers the lungs.

The Pleura