Lumen (anatomy)

A lumen (pl. lumina) is an inner space, lining or cavity.

• The interior of a vessel within the body, such as the small central space in an artery or vein, or any of their relating vessels through which blood flows.

• The inner membrane space of a Thylakoid, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus or even a microtubule.

• On a larger scale it may refer to:
  • The interior of the gastrointestinal tract, ^[1]
  • The pathways of the bronchi in the lungs,
  • The interior of urinary collecting ducts, or
  • The single pathway of the vagina.

Lumen comes from the Latin word lūmen, meaning an opening or light.

References

1. ^ Adds, John; Erica Larkcom, Ruth Miller. Exchange and transport, energy and ecosystems. Nelson Advanced science ( Nelson Thornes web site:http://www.nelsonthornes.com), 16. ISBN 0-7487-7487-4. 

See also

• Thylakoid lumen

tissue layers
mesothelium, serosa/adventitia, muscularis externa (outer & inner), submucosa, mucosa (muscularis mucosa, lamina propria, epithelium), lumen