Pronunciation: [hˈɪləm] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "hilum" may seem confusing at first glance. However, its pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈhaɪləm/. The "h" at the beginning is pronounced as in "high". The "i" is pronounced as in "eye" and the "l" sounds as in "left". The "u" is pronounced as "uh" and the "m" sounds as "mum". This word is commonly used in anatomy to describe a depression or slit-like opening in an organ or tissue.
Hilum, in anatomy, refers to a small, depression, or notched area on an organ or structure where vessels, nerves, or ducts enter or exit. The term originated from the Latin word "hilum," meaning "a small thing" or "trifle." It is commonly used to describe specific anatomical features, particularly in relation to organs such as the lung, kidney, and spleen.
In the lung, the hilum refers to the area where the bronchi, blood vessels, and lymph nodes enter and exit the lung. It serves as a gateway for the passage of various structures into and out of the organ. Similarly, in the kidney, the hilum denotes the indented region that houses the renal artery, renal vein, ureter, and nerves. This anatomical feature facilitates the transmission of blood vessels and other elements crucial to kidney function.
Furthermore, the spleen also possesses a hilum, known as the splenic hilum. This is the area through which the splenic artery, splenic vein, and lymphatic vessels enter and exit. It serves as a connection point for the spleen and supplies the organ with essential blood vessels for its filtration and immune functions.
Overall, the term hilum carries the connotation of an entrance or exit point, symbolizing its importance in maintaining the proper functioning of organs by facilitating the transportation of vital elements.
1. A depression at the edge or on the surface of an organ where the vessels and nerves enter or leave; now usually called hilus. 2. In botany, the scar on a seed where it has broken off from its placenta or stalk. 3. The pedicle of the flap in a plastic operation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The eye of a seed; the scar or spot indicating the point where the seed was attached to the pericarp, as the dark mark at the one end of a bean.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "hilum" has its etymology in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "hilum", meaning "a little thing", "a trifle", or "a point". In Latin, it primarily referred to a small opening or mark. The term "hilum" was later adopted into English and used in specialized contexts, particularly in anatomy and botany, to denote the point of attachment or depression on a seed or organ, such as the kidney.
