What type of pleura is adjacent to the lung?

The correct answer is that the visceral pleura is adjacent to the lung. The visceral pleura is a delicate membrane that directly covers the surface of each lung. It is part of the pleural cavity, which also includes the parietal pleura that lines the thoracic cavity. This anatomical arrangement ensures that the lungs have a smooth surface to glide against during respiration while also providing a protective barrier.

The visceral pleura is crucial for the proper mechanics of breathing. It enables the lungs to expand and contract efficiently with the movements of the thoracic wall. The thin layer of pleural fluid between the visceral and parietal pleura allows for reduced friction and helps maintain surface tension, which is essential for lung inflation.

In contrast, the parietal pleura lines the chest wall and is not in direct contact with the lung tissue. The references to serous pleura and pericardial pleura are not applicable in this context, as serous pleura typically refers to membranes that secrete serous fluid in various body cavities, while pericardial pleura actually pertains to the membrane surrounding the heart, not the lungs.