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Which statement about pleura is NOT true?

  1. it covers the outer surface of the lungs

  2. it is a thin moist membrane

  3. it is divided into visceral and parietal pleura

  4. it is a mucosa

The correct answer is: it is a mucosa

The statement that it is a mucosa is not true. The pleura is a specific type of serous membrane that lines the thoracic cavity and covers the lungs, playing a crucial role in facilitating smooth movements during breathing. Unlike mucosal membranes, which typically line cavities that open to the outside and contain mucus-producing cells, pleura do not serve this function. Instead, the pleural membranes produce a serous fluid that reduces friction between the lungs and the chest wall during respiratory movements. The accurate nature of the pleura, including its classification as a serous membrane and its division into visceral (covering the lungs) and parietal (lining the thoracic wall) types, supports its specific anatomical and functional characteristics. This distinction highlights how the pleura differs fundamentally from mucosal membranes, reinforcing why the claim that it is a mucosa is incorrect.