Leaf Anatomy and Structure Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering leaf arrangements, internal structures of dicots and conifers, and anatomical terms from the laboratory notes.

Midrib

The larger, central main vein running through a leaf blade.

Petiole

The leaf stalk attaching the blade to the stem.

Stipules

Paired, often leaflike or thornlike appendages present at the base of a petiole.

Axil

The angle formed by the petiole with the stem or leaf blade.

Compound leaf

A leaf divided into individual leaflets, featuring a single axillary bud at the base of its petiole.

Rachis

The central axis or midrib of a compound leaf.

Pinnately compound

A compound leaf structure with pairs of leaflets arranged along the sides of a central rachis.

Palmately compound

A compound leaf structure where leaflets fan out from a single common central point.

Cuticle

A fatty or waxy coating normally found covering the upper epidermis of a leaf.

Palisade mesophyll

Tightly packed photosynthetic tissue containing numerous chloroplasts, located directly below the upper epidermis.

Spongy mesophyll

Loosely and haphazardly arranged leaf tissue located beneath the palisade mesophyll, characterized by air spaces and fewer chloroplasts.

Guard cells

Pairs of specialized epidermal cells containing chloroplasts that regulate the opening and closing of stomata.

Transfusion tissue

Tissue surrounding the xylem and phloem in pine leaves, composed of a mixture of parenchyma cells and short tracheids.

Endodermis

A single row of conspicuous cells marking the outer boundary of the transfusion tissue in pine leaves.

Resin canals

Large, circular to elliptical channels in pine mesophyll lined with cells that secrete resin.

Sunken stoma

A stoma recessed within pockets of epidermal cells, adapted to prevent moisture loss in dry environments or frozen ground conditions.

Hypodermis

One or more layers of thick-walled cells located beneath the pine leaf epidermis, providing mechanical support, rigidity, and protection.