What tissue layer covers the surface of the lungs?

The visceral pleura is the tissue layer that directly covers the surface of the lungs. This thin membrane adheres closely to the lung tissue and is part of the pleural cavity, which also contains pleural fluid that allows for smooth movement of the lungs during respiration. The visceral pleura plays a critical role in maintaining lung function by providing a frictionless surface for the lungs to expand and contract within the thoracic cavity.

In contrast, the parietal pleura lines the inner surface of the chest wall and the diaphragm, separating the pleural cavity from the chest wall but not contacting the lung surface directly. The fibrous and muscular layers, while important in different contexts, do not pertain to the specific coverings of the lungs in the respiratory system. Understanding the role and location of the visceral pleura is essential for grasping lung anatomy and function.