Which membranes form an envelope between the lungs and the chest wall?

The pleurae are the membranes that create an envelope between the lungs and the chest wall. This double-layered structure consists of two pleural membranes: the visceral pleura, which tightly covers the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which lines the inner surface of the chest wall. The space between these two layers, known as the pleural cavity, contains pleural fluid which serves to reduce friction during respiration and helps keep the lungs inflated by creating negative pressure.

Understanding the role of the pleurae is crucial for recognizing how they facilitate normal lung function, protect against infection, and allow for smooth movement of the lungs during breathing. The other structures mentioned, such as the peritoneum, pericardium, and endocardium, serve different functions and are related to other organs or systems, making them incorrect choices for this particular question. The peritoneum relates to the abdominal cavity, the pericardium encases the heart, and the endocardium lines the heart chambers.