Final answer:
The visceral pleura is the innermost layer that is superficial to the lungs, whereas the parietal pleura is the outer layer associated with the thoracic wall.
Step-by-step explanation:
The visceral pleura is the innermost layer of the pleura that is superficial to the lungs and extends into the lung fissures. In contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer that connects to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The correct answer to the student's question is that the visceral pleura is to the parietal pleura as superficial is to deep.