What membrane contains the lungs within the thoracic cavity?

The pleurae are the membranes specifically associated with the lungs, and they play a crucial role in the respiratory system. These double-layered membranes consist of the visceral pleura, which tightly adheres to the surface of the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which lines the thoracic cavity. The pleural cavity, the space between these two layers, contains pleural fluid that reduces friction and allows for smooth movement of the lungs during breathing. This arrangement is essential for efficient respiratory mechanics, ensuring that the lungs can expand and contract effectively without pain or damage due to friction with surrounding structures.

The pericardium, while it serves a similar protective function for the heart, is not related to the lungs. The serosa is a general term for a type of membrane found in various body cavities but does not specifically refer to the lungs. The peritoneum is the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs, which is unrelated to thoracic structures. Thus, the identification of the pleurae as the membranes surrounding the lungs accurately captures their specific role and anatomical significance within the thoracic cavity.