What is the difference between visceral and parietal pleura?

The distinction between visceral and parietal pleura is fundamentally anatomical. The visceral pleura is a thin membrane that directly adheres to the surface of the lungs. It is integral in providing a protective layer around the lung tissue and facilitates smooth movement of the lungs during respiration, as it reduces friction between the lungs and the thoracic wall.

On the other hand, the parietal pleura is connected to the inner surface of the chest wall and the diaphragm. It forms a protective layer lining the thoracic cavity. This arrangement allows the parietal pleura to serve as a barrier to the external environment, while also anchoring the lungs in place during their expansion and contraction.

Thus, the option that accurately describes this relationship is the one that states visceral pleura is attached to the lung and parietal pleura is attached to the chest wall. Understanding the roles and connections of these two types of pleura is crucial for comprehending respiratory mechanics and the overall protective structure surrounding the lungs.