Which of the following statements concerning the lungs and the pleura is true?

A) Each lung is suspended in a separate pleural cavity.
B) Parietal pleura covers the surface of each lung.
C) The space between the visceral and parietal pleurae is called the mediastinum.
D) The pleural fluid assists in gas exchange.
E) The pleural membranes adhere, but cannot slide past each other.

Pleural Cavity

The thin fluid-filled space between the two pulmonary pleurae of each lung, involved in respiratory mechanics.

Parietal Pleura

Serous membrane that lines the different parts of the wall of the pleural cavity.

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity surrounded by loose connective tissue, containing the heart, esophagus, trachea, major blood vessels, and other structures.