Question

The visceral and parietal pleural membranes are normally held together by

A. loose connective tissue.
B. dense connective tissue.
C. decreased pressure in the pleural cavity.
D. surfactant in the pleural cavity.
E. elastic connective tissue.

Answer 1

The visceral and parietal pleural membranes are held together by the decreased pressure in the pleural cavity, enabling smooth lung function with minimal friction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The visceral and parietal pleural membranes are normally held together by decreased pressure in the pleural cavity. The pleural cavity, which surrounds the lungs, contains a small amount of fluid that allows the visceral and parietal layers of the pleura to slide effortlessly over each other with minimal friction, aiding in lung movement during breathing. This fluid and the resulting suction-like effect keep these membranes close together.

Answer 2

C) decreased pressure in the pleural cavity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pleura is a membrane that surrounds the lung and consists of two membranes, the parietal and the visceral, which are continuous in the hilum region of the lung. The parietal and visceral membranes delimit, for each lung, an independent cavity fully lined by the mesothelium. Typically, this pleural cavity is virtual, containing only a thin layer of lubricating fluid (pleural fluid), allowing smooth sliding of these two membranes during respiration, preventing friction between the visceral and parietal mesothelium.

The visceral and parietal pleural membranes are usually held together due to decreased pressure in the pleural cavity.