Which pleura lines the lungs?

The visceral pleura is the correct term for the layer of pleura that directly lines the lungs. This membrane is a thin, delicate tissue that envelopes the surface of each lung, providing a smooth layer that allows the lungs to move freely against the chest wall during breathing. It also plays a role in creating a pleural cavity filled with pleural fluid, which helps reduce friction and allows for easier expansion and contraction of the lungs as air is inhaled and exhaled.

In contrast, the parietal pleura lines the inner wall of the thoracic cavity, chest wall, and diaphragm but does not cover the lungs themselves. The anterior pleura and pericardial pleura are not standard terms used to describe pleural anatomy related to the lungs, with the former not being a recognized pleural layer and the latter being a membrane surrounding the heart rather than the lungs. This distinction is important for understanding the structure and function of respiratory anatomy.