Final answer:
The inner surface of the pleura, which is superficial to the lungs and extends into lung fissures, is called the visceral pleura. It is part of the pleural sac that encloses each lung, with the parietal pleura being the outer layer. These layers surround the pleural cavity containing lubricating fluid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inner surface of the pleura is called the visceral pleura.
The visceral pleura is the innermost layer of the pleura that is superficial to the lungs and extends into the lung fissures. Each lung is surrounded by an invaginated sac made up of two layers of pleura: the visceral and the outer layer, the parietal pleura. The parietal pleura lines the interior of the thorax. These layers create the pleural cavity, which contains a small amount of pleural fluid that acts as a lubricant, facilitating smooth movement of the lungs during breathing. When the pleura becomes inflamed, a painful condition known as pleurisy occurs, increasing thoracic pressure and reducing lung volume.