What is the name of the membrane that surrounds the lungs?

The membrane that surrounds the lungs is called the pleura. This serous membrane consists of two layers: the visceral pleura, which directly covers the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which lines the chest wall and diaphragm. The pleura serves important functions, including reducing friction between the lung surface and the chest wall during breathing movements, as well as providing a protective barrier against infections and diseases.

In contrast, the pericardium envelops the heart, providing a similar protective function but in a different anatomical region. The peritoneum, on the other hand, is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs, while the endocardium is the inner lining of the heart's chambers and valves. Each of these membranes has distinct roles in their respective regions, underlining the importance of understanding anatomical terms and their specific applications in human physiology.