What is the lumen of an artery?

The lumen of an artery refers to the hollow core of the artery where blood flows. This inner space is crucial for the transport of blood, allowing it to move throughout the body as part of the circulatory system. Understanding the anatomy of blood vessels is essential, as it helps in recognizing how conditions like atherosclerosis can restrict the lumen, leading to decreased blood flow.

The other terms relate to the structure and composition of blood vessels but do not accurately define the lumen. The outer layer of the blood vessel concerns the protective function, the thick muscular wall pertains to the artery's ability to contract and regulate blood flow, and the elastic tissue contributes to the elasticity of the artery, all of which are important for proper vascular function but distinctly separate from the concept of the lumen itself.