Where is the visceral pleura located?

• A. On the surface of the lungs
• B. Along the rib cage
• C. Within the thoracic cavity
• D. Outside the pleural cavity

Answer: (A)

The visceral pleura is indeed located on the surface of the lungs. This thin membrane intimately adheres to the lung surface, covering the lobes of the lungs and extending into the fissures between them. Its primary function is to provide a smooth, frictionless surface that facilitates the movement of the lungs during respiration. By being directly attached to the lung surface, it helps maintain the integrity of the thoracic cavity and aids in the mechanics of breathing.

Understanding the functional relationship between the visceral pleura and the lungs is key in contexts such as pleurisy, where inflammation of this membrane can result in pain during breathing, highlighting its importance in the pathophysiological processes of various respiratory conditions.