What are the surfaces called that face outward toward the rib cage?

The surfaces that face outward toward the rib cage are referred to as costal surfaces. This term is derived from the word "costa," which means rib in Latin. In the context of the lungs, the costal surface is the region that lies against the rib cage, and it is where the lungs are in direct contact with the ribs. This anatomical feature is important because it helps define the relationship between the lungs and the thoracic cavity.

The other surfaces listed have different associations. The mediastinal surfaces pertain to the area of the thoracic cavity that is situated between the lungs, containing the heart, esophagus, and other structures. Cervical surfaces refer to anatomical areas associated with the neck region, and parietal surfaces denote the outer membrane lining of a body cavity, which does not specifically apply to the lungs facing inward or outward toward structures like the rib cage.