For other uses, see Lumen.
A lumen (Lat. lūmen, an opening or light) (pl. lumina) in biology is the inside space of a tubular structure, such as an artery or intestine.[1] By extension, a lumen can also be the inside space of a cellular component or structure, such as the endoplasmic reticulum.
For example:
- The interior of a vessel, such as the central space in an artery or vein through which blood flows.
- The interior of the
gastrointestinal tract [2] - The pathways of the bronchi in the lungs
- The interior of urinary collecting ducts
- The single pathway of the vagina
- Within a cell, the inner membrane space of a thylakoid, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria or microtubule.
References
- ^ Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 24th ed.
- ^ Adds, John; Erica Larkcom, Ruth Miller. Exchange and transport, energy and ecosystems. Nelson Advanced science (Nelson Thornes web site). p. 16. ISBN 0-7487-7487-4.
See also
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