lacunen

Lacunen is the plural form of lacuna in German and some related languages; in English, the corresponding plural is lacunae. The term denotes a small cavity, gap, or missing portion within a structure, and its precise meaning depends on the field of study.

In anatomy, lacunae refer to small cavities within tissues. Bone lacunae are microscopic spaces within the mineralized bone matrix that house osteocytes. These lacunae are connected by slender channels called canaliculi, forming a network that enables nutrient and signal exchange between bone cells. Cartilage also contains lacunae, called chondral lacunae, in which chondrocytes reside and maintain the extracellular matrix. The arrangement of lacunae and their connections supports tissue resilience and metabolic communication.

In neurology, the term lacuna is used in the context of lacunar infarcts, which are small, subcortical strokes resulting from occlusion of penetrating arteries. These lesions typically affect deep brain structures such as the basal ganglia, internal capsule, thalamus, or brainstem and can produce focal motor, sensory, or coordination deficits. Lacunar strokes are usually considered a consequence of small-vessel disease and may be associated with chronic hypertension or diabetes.

In manuscript studies and archaeology, lacunae describe gaps or missing sections in texts, inscriptions, or other records. A lacuna indicates material that has been lost or is otherwise unavailable, and editors may note lacunae when reconstructing historical documents.

Etymology traces lacuna to Latin, meaning a hollow or cavity. The plural lacunen appears in German and related languages, while lacunae remains standard in English.