lobule

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Cross-section diagram of the human ear showing the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, with labeled parts including the auricle, auditory canal, tympanic membrane, ossicles, cochlea, semicircular canals, and nerves.

lobule

anatomy

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June 30, 2026

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Cross-section diagram of the human ear showing the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, with labeled parts including the auricle, auditory canal, tympanic membrane, ossicles, cochlea, semicircular canals, and nerves. — Human ear The structures of the outer, middle, and inner ear.

A lobule is a small lobe or a subdivision of a lobe. In anatomy, lobules are found within larger organs. For instance, the liver is composed of clusters of cells called lobules, each about one millimeter in diameter, where the liver's functions are carried out. Similarly, each lung is divided into lobes, which further subdivide into hundreds of lobules. These lung lobules contain bronchioles and alveoli, the sites of gas exchange. The cerebral cortex of the brain is also organized into lobes, which can be further divided into lobules, such as the superior and inferior parietal lobules within the parietal lobe. The term "lobular" describes something related to, affecting, or resembling a lobule.12345

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human ear
Outer ear
The lobule, the fleshy lower part of the auricle, is the only area of the outer ear that contains no cartilage. The auricle also has several small rudimentary muscles, which fasten it to the skull and scalp. In most individuals these muscles do not function, although…
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The lobule, the fleshy lower part of the auricle, is the only area of the outer ear that contains no cartilage. The auricle also has several small rudimentary muscles, which fasten it to the skull and scalp. In most individuals these muscles do not function, although…
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human digestive system
Microscopic anatomy
…of clusters of cells called lobules, where the vital functions of the liver are carried out. Each lobule, measuring about one millimetre in diameter, consists of numerous cords of rectangular liver cells, or hepatocytes, that radiate from central veins, or terminal hepatic venules, toward a thin layer of connective tissue…
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…of clusters of cells called lobules, where the vital functions of the liver are carried out. Each lobule, measuring about one millimetre in diameter, consists of numerous cords of rectangular liver cells, or hepatocytes, that radiate from central veins, or terminal hepatic venules, toward a thin layer of connective tissue…
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lung
…further subdivides into hundreds of lobules. Each lobule contains a bronchiole and affiliated branches, a thin wall, and clusters of alveoli.
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…further subdivides into hundreds of lobules. Each lobule contains a bronchiole and affiliated branches, a thin wall, and clusters of alveoli.
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thymus
…and into smaller subdivisions called lobules. It is covered by a dense connective-tissue capsule, which sends fibers into the body of the thymus for support. The thymus tissue is distinguishable into an outer zone, the cortex, and an inner zone, the medulla.
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…and into smaller subdivisions called lobules. It is covered by a dense connective-tissue capsule, which sends fibers into the body of the thymus for support. The thymus tissue is distinguishable into an outer zone, the cortex, and an inner zone, the medulla.
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