Which cavity is responsible for housing the lungs?

The pleural cavity is the correct choice because it is specifically the space within the thoracic cavity that surrounds each lung. This cavity consists of two layers of pleura: the visceral pleura, which is in contact with the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which lines the chest wall. The pleural cavity contains pleural fluid, which helps to reduce friction between the lung surfaces and the chest wall during breathing.

In contrast, the pericardial cavity is designated for the heart, creating a protective environment around this organ. The cranial cavity houses the brain within the skull, while the spinal cavity encases the spinal cord, which runs along the vertebral column. Therefore, the pleural cavity's specific role in accommodating the lungs makes it the accurate answer to the question.