Hilum

/hˈɪləm/

[noun]

Hilum

[NOUN]

the entrance or exit point on an organ where blood vessels, nerves, and other structures are connected

synonyms : hilus

What is "hilum"?

The hilum is a specific anatomical location on an organ where blood vessels, nerves, and other important structures enter or exit. It serves as a gateway for the organ's vascular supply, lymphatic drainage, and innervation. The hilum typically appears as a depression or slit-like opening, allowing for the efficient transport of essential substances and communication between the organ and the surrounding tissues. The structures that pass through the hilum play a crucial role in maintaining the organ's functionality and connectivity within the body.

the scar on certain seeds marking its point of attachment to the funicle

Examples

1. You also don’t see large lymph nodes in the mediastinum or near the hilum or central part of the lung, which are often seen in other types of pneumonia.

2. Mayo Clinic did pioneer the advent of transplantation or liver transplant for particular cholangiocarcinomas that occur where the bile ducts come down, called the hilum of the liver.

3. It’s called the hilum, and it’s where the seed was attached to its parent plant.