Anatomy of the Thoracic Cavity

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What is the main function of the parietal pleura?

To produce serous fluid
To facilitate the expansion of the thoracic cavity
To line the internal surface of the thoracic cavity (correct)
To cover the lungs

What is the purpose of the pleural cavity?

To reduce the friction between the lungs and the thoracic cavity
To increase the volume of the thoracic cavity
To provide a potential space between the visceral and parietal pleura (correct)
To facilitate the movement of the diaphragm

What is the mediastinum?

A layer of simple squamous cells supported by connective tissue
A part of the diaphragm that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity
A type of serous membrane that covers the lungs
A division of the thoracic cavity that contains the heart and thymus gland (correct)

What is the function of the visceral pleura?

To cover the lungs and facilitate their movement (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the mesothelium?

A layer of simple squamous cells that lines the pleura (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the cervical pleura?

A part of the parietal pleura that lines the extension of the pleural cavity into the neck (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is not a part of the thoracic cavity?

Abdominal cavity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the intercostal muscles?

To change the volume of the thoracic cavity during respiration (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following muscles is not a part of the thoracic cage?

Diaphragm (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of the internal intercostal muscles?

Inferoposteriorly (C) Signup and view all the answers

What nerves innervate the intercostal muscles?

Intercostal nerves (C) Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of external intercostal muscles are there?

11 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mesothelium?

To provide a slippery, non-adhesive and protective surface (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the serous fluid secreted by the epithelium?

To allow lubricated sliding movements between opposing surfaces (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the serous membranes?

To facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the serous membranes that line the lungs and thoracic cavity?

To permit efficient and effortless respiration (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the mesothelium in the body's serous cavities?

To provide a slippery, non-adhesive and protective surface (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the serous fluid in the serous membranes?

To allow lubricated sliding movements between opposing surfaces (C) Signup and view all the answers