What is the name of the outer layer of pleura lining the inner surface of the thoracic cavity?

The outer layer of pleura that lines the inner surface of the thoracic cavity is known as the parietal pleura. This structure serves a crucial role in the respiratory system as it forms a protective layer around the lungs and assists in the mechanics of breathing. The parietal pleura is attached to the thoracic wall, the diaphragm, and the mediastinum, creating a sealed space that allows for proper lung expansion and contraction during respiration.

The visceral pleura, on the other hand, directly covers the lungs themselves and is not what lines the thoracic cavity. The peritoneal pleura refers to a distinct lining within the abdominal cavity, unrelated to the thoracic region. The term thoracic pleura is not commonly used in medical terminology to specify which layer is lining the thoracic cavity. Hence, the parietal pleura is the correct term for the outer layer lining the inner surface of the thoracic cavity.