Final answer:
The pleura is a serous membrane that surrounds the lungs. It consists of two layers: the visceral pleura and the parietal pleura. The pleurae produce pleural fluid, which lubricates the surfaces of the membrane to reduce friction during breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pleura is a serous membrane that surrounds the lungs. It consists of two layers: the visceral pleura and the parietal pleura. The visceral pleura is the layer that is superficial to the lungs and extends into and lines the lung fissures. On the other hand, the parietal pleura is the outer layer that connects to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The pleurae produce pleural fluid, which lubricates the surfaces of the membrane to reduce friction during breathing.