A hilum (formerly called a hilus) is a depression or pit where structures are attached.

• In human anatomy, the hilum is part of an organ where structures such as blood vessels and nerves enter.
  • The hilum of kidney (admits the renal artery, vein, ureter, and nerves) is the medial depression for blood vessels and ureter to enter the kidney chamber is the renal hilum.
  • splenic hilum
  • hilum of lung

The adjective form is "hilar", and the plural is "hila".

External linksEdit

• GPnotebook
• Dictionary at eMedicine Hilum
• Dorlands/Elsevier h_11/12422528