What type of pleura lines the walls of the thoracic cavity?

The type of pleura that lines the walls of the thoracic cavity is the parietal pleura. This serous membrane is attached to the inner surface of the thoracic wall and covers the diaphragm and the mediastinum. Its primary function is to provide a smooth, frictionless surface that allows the lungs to expand and contract freely during breathing. The parietal pleura is crucial for creating a pressure differential that aids in lung inflation, as it is involved in pleural cavity formation, where pleural fluid is found, allowing for cohesive movement between the lung surface and the thoracic wall.

In contrast, the visceral pleura adheres directly to the surface of the lungs, while terms like medial pleura and pericardial pleura do not accurately describe the pleura associated with the thoracic cavity's walls. The pericardial pleura pertains to the membrane surrounding the heart, highlighting the specificity of the parietal pleura in relation to thoracic cavity anatomy.