What membrane is attached to the surface of the chest wall?

• A. Parietal pleura
• B. Visceral pleura
• C. Pericardium
• D. Endocardium

Answer: (A)

The parietal pleura lines the inner surface of the chest wall, attaching to the thoracic cavity itself. It forms the outer layer of the pleural membranes, with the visceral pleura covering the lungs on the inside and a small pleural space between them that allows smooth movement during breathing. The pericardium surrounds the heart and the endocardium lines the heart chambers, so they’re not attached to the chest wall.