Hilum

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Hilum is a term used in anatomy to describe a part of an organ where structures such as blood vessels and nerves enter or exit. It is commonly associated with organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and lymph nodes.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The hilum is a depression or fissure where structures such as arteries, veins, and nerves enter an organ. The term is used in various fields of anatomy to describe such structures in various organs, including the lungs, kidneys, and lymph nodes.

Lungs[edit | edit source]

In the lung, the hilum is found on the medial side of each lung, and it is the point of entry and exit for the bronchi, arteries, veins, and nerves. The right lung's hilum is located above the level of the left lung's hilum.

Kidneys[edit | edit source]

The hilum of the kidney is located on the medial side, where the renal artery enters, the renal vein exits, and the ureter exits the kidney. It is also the location of the renal pelvis.

Lymph nodes[edit | edit source]

In lymph nodes, the hilum is the indented region through which blood vessels and nerves enter and exit.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

The hilum has clinical significance in various medical conditions. For example, in pneumonia, the hilum may be involved, leading to hilar enlargement on a chest X-ray. In cancer, tumors may occur at the hilum, and these are known as hilar tumors.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Hilum Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD