hilium

Examples of hilium in the following topics:

• Lobes, Fissures, and Lobules

  • There is a hilium for each of the lungs found in the mediastinum (backside) of the lungs.
  • The hilium is thinner in the left lung compared to the right lung because it lies between the cardiac notch and the groove for the aorta.
  • The hilium is important because it is the primary way in which the respiratory system links with the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

• Blood Supply to the Lungs

  • There are two pulmonary arteries (one for each lung) that bring the deoxygenated blood to the lungs through the hilium.
  • The oxygenated blood then leaves the lungs through pulmonary veins (also contained in the hilium), which return the blood to the left side of the heart, completing the cycle of pulmonary circulation.

• Internal Anatomy of the Kidneys

  • The renal pelvis contains the hilium.

• Lymph Nodes

  • The hilium also contains the blood supply of the lymph node.