lobulo

Lobule, sometimes written lobulo in languages that do not use diacritics, is a term used in anatomy and related sciences to denote a small lobe or a subdivision of a larger lobed organ. It describes a modular unit that typically shares a common structure and function with neighboring units within the same organ.

Etymology and scope: the term derives from Latin lobulus, a diminutive of lobus (lobe). In practice, lobules appear in multiple organs and tissues, where they provide a convenient way to describe organization, blood supply, and function on a smaller scale than the whole organ.

Common anatomical examples

- Hepatic lobule (liver): the classical functional unit of the liver is often described as roughly hexagonal, with a central vein at the center and portal triads at the corners. Blood travels from the portal triads through sinusoids toward the central vein, while bile produced by hepatocytes drains toward bile canaliculi and the bile ducts in the portal triads. This modular arrangement supports metabolic processing and detoxification.

- Pulmonary lobule (lung): the smallest clearly defined unit around a terminal bronchiole, roughly cone-shaped and bordered by connective tissue. Each lobule contains respiration-related structures such as respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts with alveoli, and is served by accompanying arteries, veins, and lymphatics.

- Other examples: mammary lobules (glandular units within a breast lobe) and various plant tissues may also use the term to describe small, functionally similar subdivisions within a larger structure.

In usage, lobule conveys both a structural subdivision and a functional unit, reflecting the modular design common across many organs.