42. Which of the following organs is covered by the pleura, a connective tissue sheath?
Answer: B
The lungs are covered by the pleura, a connective tissue sheath.
The pleura is a double-layered membrane that envelops the lungs, providing protection and facilitating movement during respiration.
A) spleen
The spleen is not covered by the pleura. It is an organ located in the upper left abdomen and does not have a pleural covering, as it is not part of the thoracic cavity.
B) lungs
The lungs are indeed covered by the pleura. This connective tissue sheath consists of two layers: the visceral pleura, which is attached to the lung surface, and the parietal pleura, which lines the thoracic cavity. This structure is essential for respiratory function.
C) heart
While the heart is surrounded by a protective membrane known as the pericardium, it is not covered by the pleura. The pericardium serves a different anatomical purpose and is distinct from the pleural membrane associated with the lungs.
D) liver
The liver is located in the abdominal cavity and is not covered by the pleura. Instead, it is surrounded by peritoneum, which is the serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity, highlighting the distinction between abdominal and thoracic organs.
Conclusion
The correct answer is B) lungs, as they are the only organs listed that are covered by the pleura, facilitating their function in breathing. All other options either belong to different anatomical regions or are covered by different types of membranes, thus confirming that the lungs are uniquely associated with the pleural sheath.