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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements concerning the lungs and the pleura is true?
A
The pleura is responsible for oxygen exchange in the lungs.
B
The lungs are directly attached to the diaphragm without any intervening structures.
C
The pleura is a single-layered membrane that covers only the lungs.
D
The pleural cavity is the space between the visceral and parietal pleura.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the anatomy of the pleura: The pleura is a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs. It consists of the visceral pleura, which covers the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which lines the chest cavity.
Identify the pleural cavity: The pleural cavity is the space between the visceral and parietal pleura. It contains a small amount of lubricating fluid that allows the lungs to move smoothly during respiration.
Clarify the function of the pleura: The pleura does not participate in oxygen exchange. Its primary function is to provide a frictionless surface for lung movement and to create a pressure gradient that assists in lung expansion during breathing.
Examine the connection between the lungs and diaphragm: The lungs are not directly attached to the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a crucial role in breathing by contracting and expanding the thoracic cavity.
Correct the misconception about the pleura being single-layered: The pleura is not a single-layered membrane; it is double-layered, consisting of the visceral and parietal pleura, which together form the pleural cavity.