ARRT Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide for Radiologic Technologists

The term 'pleura' specifically refers to the serous membrane that encases the lungs. This double-layered membrane consists of the visceral pleura, which is directly attached to the lung surface, and the parietal pleura, which lines the thoracic cavity. The pleura plays a crucial role in facilitating lung movement during respiration by providing a frictionless surface and also helps in maintaining the pressure gradients necessary for effective breathing.

Understanding this anatomical structure is vital in the context of respiratory health and pathology, as issues like pleuritis (inflammation of the pleura) can greatly affect lung function and overall respiratory status. The other options refer to different anatomical layers associated with other organs, making 'lung lining' the accurate description for 'pleura'.