Artery anatomy, showing lumen

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

A lumen (Lat. lūmen, an opening or light) (pl. lumina) is the inside space or lining of a tubular structure, such as an artery or intestine.¹ 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

1. ^ Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 24th ed.
2. ^ Adds, John; Erica Larkcom, Ruth Miller. Exchange and transport, energy and ecosystems. Nelson Advanced science (Nelson Thornes web site), 16. ISBN 0-7487-7487-4. 

See also

• Thylakoid lumen

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