The dynamics and molecular order of thin lipid (lecithin) films confined to 200, 100 and 20 nm cylindrical pores with varying Surface coverage, were investigated by H-1 multiple-quantum NMR. The results show that the molecular dynamics in the surface controlled layers are less hindered compared to those in the bulk. Dynamic heterogeneity among terminal CH3 groups is evident. Enhanced dynamic freedom is observed for films with area per molecule. similar to 128 Angstrom(2). The results are discussed in terms of changes in the lipid molecular organization with respect to surface concentration, its plausible motional modes and dynamic heterogeneity. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.