What is the visceral pleura?

The visceral pleura is indeed the layer lining the lungs. It is a thin membrane that covers the surface of the lungs and is adherent to lung tissue itself. This layer plays a significant role in the respiratory system as it provides a protective barrier while allowing the lungs to expand and contract without friction during breathing.

The visceral pleura is part of the pleural membrane, which consists of two layers: the visceral pleura that covers the lungs and the parietal pleura that lines the chest wall. The space created by these pleural layers, known as the pleural cavity, contains pleural fluid, which helps reduce friction as the lungs move during inhalation and exhalation. This arrangement is critical for the normal functioning of the respiratory system.