Pleural plaques from asbestos exposure are located on which pleural surface?

• A. Visceral pleura
• B. Mediastinal pleura
• C. Parietal pleura
• D. Costal pleura

Answer: (C)

Pleural plaques from asbestos exposure occur on the parietal pleura, the lining that covers the chest wall, diaphragmatic surface, and mediastinal structures. They reflect asbestos-related irritation and fibrous thickening of the parietal layer, not the lung surface itself. The visceral pleura covers the lung, so plaques are not typically described on that surface. Diaphragmatic and lateral chest wall (costal) portions of the parietal pleura are the classic sites.