Question

What statement about the pleura is correct?

1) it is cartilaginous rings that give support to the larynx.
2) it is one of the lobes of the right lung.
3) it is a muscle that separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities.
4) it is a membrane that covers the lung.
5) it is a membrane in the lungs in which there is an exchange of O₂ and CO₂.

Answer 1

The correct statement about the pleura is that it is a membrane covering the lung. The pleura is a serous membrane forming the pleural cavity, with visceral and parietal layers that secrete pleural fluid to reduce friction and facilitate lung movement during breathing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement about the pleura is: 4) it is a membrane that covers the lung.

The pleura is a serous membrane that envelops each lung within the pleural cavity. The pleural space is further divided into two main layers: the visceral pleura, which is the inner layer adhering directly to the lung, and the parietal pleura, which is the outer layer attached to the thoracic wall and diaphragm. These layers create a space called the pleural cavity, which is filled with pleural fluid that serves to lubricate the lung surfaces, allowing them to move smoothly against each other when breathing.

The pleurae also function to create cavities that separate the lungs from other thoracic structures, aiding both in lung function and protection. It is not associated with the other functions or structures mentioned in the other options of the question.