Lumen (anatomy)

Artery anatomy, showing lumen

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

A lumen (Lat. lūmen, an opening or light) (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 microtubule.

On a larger scale it may refer to

General structure of the gut wall showing the lumen in the middle

• The interior of the gastrointestinal tract
• The pathways of the bronchi in the lungs
• The interior of urinary collecting ducts
• The single pathway of the vagina

See also

• Thylakoid lumen