Lamella

Definition

A thin, plate-like or scale-like structure, layer, or membrane, often one of a series arranged in parallel or overlapping fashion. In arthropods, lamellae commonly form functional surfaces for gas exchange, filtration, chemoreception, or structural support.

Etymology

Latin lamella, diminutive of lamina (thin plate or leaf)

Example

In the tracheal system of insects, taenidia may form helical lamellae that prevent tracheal collapse while allowing flexibility. In arachnids, the book lungs of spiders and scorpions consist of stacked, air-filled lamellae that maximize respiratory surface area within a compact space.

Synonyms

• lamina

Related Terms

• gill
• book lung
• Trachea
• Taenidium
• seta
• Scale
• microtrichia
• lamellate antenna

Usage Notes

Distinguished from 'lamina' primarily by connotation: lamella emphasizes thinness and often implies a layered or serial arrangement, whereas lamina may denote a broader plate or sheet. In antennae, 'lamellate' describes clubbed segments with plate-like expansions (as in scarab beetles). The plural 'lamellae' is standard in technical writing. Not to be confused with geological or metallurgical uses of the same term.