The covering of lungs is called

Options

A. Pericardium
B. Perichondrium
C. Pleural membrane
D. Peritoneum

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the term that refers to the covering of the lungs.

2. **Identifying the Importance of Lungs**: Lungs are crucial for the respiratory system as they facilitate the exchange of gases, allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be expelled.

3. **Recognizing the Need for Protection**: The lungs undergo constant changes in volume during the breathing process (inspiration and expiration). This movement could potentially cause damage or friction with surrounding structures in the thoracic cavity.

4. **Identifying the Covering**: To protect the lungs and reduce friction, they are covered by a structure known as the pleural membrane.

5. **Describing the Pleural Membrane**: The pleural membrane is a double-layered structure:
- The **outer pleural membrane** is in contact with the thoracic cavity.
- The **inner pleural membrane** is in contact with the lung surface.
- Between these two layers is the **pleural fluid**, which acts as a lubricant to prevent friction during lung expansion and contraction.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the covering of the lungs is called the **pleural membrane**.

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