What role does the parietal pleura play during the breathing process?

The parietal pleura plays a crucial role in the breathing process by assisting in lung inflation. It is a membrane that lines the thoracic cavity, and it is continuous with the visceral pleura, which covers the lungs themselves. During inhalation, when the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, the volume of the thoracic cavity increases. This increase in volume creates a negative pressure within the pleural cavity, which in turn causes the lungs to expand and fill with air. The parietal pleura helps maintain this negative pressure by forming a sealed environment around the lungs, thereby facilitating their inflation. This mechanical interaction is essential for efficient breathing, as it ensures that the lungs can expand properly with each breath.