What membrane is responsible for lining the chest wall?

The parietal pleura is the membrane responsible for lining the chest wall. It forms a barrier between the thoracic cavity and the organs within that space, particularly the lungs. This membrane plays a crucial role in the respiratory process by facilitating the movement of the lungs during inhalation and exhalation.

The parietal pleura adheres closely to the inner surfaces of the chest wall, providing a protective and supportive layer while allowing for the necessary flexibility required during breathing. It also helps in the creation of a pressure gradient, which is essential for efficient lung expansion and contraction.

In contrast, the visceral pleura covers the lungs themselves, while the peritoneum is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs. The endothoracic fascia is a connective tissue layer that separates the parietal pleura from the underlying structures of the thoracic wall but is not directly responsible for lining the chest wall as the parietal pleura is. These distinctions clarify the essential role of the parietal pleura in respiratory mechanics.