What is the name of the outer membrane that surrounds and covers the lungs?

Introduction / Context:
Organs in the human body are often covered by protective membranes that support them and reduce friction as they move. The lungs expand and contract constantly during breathing and are enclosed within the thoracic cavity. This question asks you to identify the membrane that specifically surrounds and covers the lungs, distinguishing it from membranes that protect the brain or nerve fibers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The options mention dura mater, pleura, pia mater, and myelin sheath.
Different membranes protect different organs or structures.
We focus on the membrane related to the lungs.

Concept / Approach:
The pleura is a double layered membrane surrounding the lungs. The visceral pleura adheres directly to the surface of each lung, while the parietal pleura lines the inner surface of the chest wall and the diaphragm. A thin layer of pleural fluid between these layers reduces friction and helps the lungs glide smoothly during breathing. Dura mater and pia mater are membranes associated with the brain and spinal cord within the central nervous system. The myelin sheath is an insulating layer that surrounds certain nerve fibers to speed up nerve impulses. Therefore, among the options, only pleura correctly names the membrane that covers the lungs.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the lungs are in the thoracic cavity and are covered by a serous membrane called the pleura. Step 2: Remember that dura mater and pia mater are layers of meninges around the brain and spinal cord, not the lungs. Step 3: Note that the myelin sheath is an insulating covering of some axons in the nervous system. Step 4: Select pleura as the only membrane listed that surrounds the lungs specifically.

Verification / Alternative check:
Respiratory physiology descriptions highlight pleural cavities and pleural pressure, both of which depend on the integrity of the pleura. Conditions such as pleuritis or pneumothorax involve inflammation or air entering the pleural space, clearly linking the term pleura to the lung coverings. There are no such lung related conditions using the names dura mater or pia mater, confirming that pleura is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Dura mater: The tough outermost meningeal layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord, not the lungs.
Pia mater: The delicate innermost meningeal layer tightly attached to the brain and spinal cord, again unrelated to lung coverings.
Myelin sheath: An insulating lipid rich covering of many axons in peripheral and central nervous systems, not a membrane around organs.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up anatomical terms because they sound similar or because they all describe coverings. A simple way to remember is to associate pleura with lungs, pericardium with heart, and peritoneum with abdominal organs, while dura mater and pia mater go with the brain and spinal cord. Keeping these associations straight helps with many anatomy questions.

Final Answer:
The outer membrane that surrounds and covers the lungs is called the pleura.