Stem of Monocotyledonous Plants - Detail

Detail of a closed collateral vascular bundle of corn (Zea mays).



The anatomical structure of the stems of monocotyledonous plants in cross section is quite simple. The surface of the stem is covered by skin - the epidermis. Below it, there may be a sclerenchymatic band that performs a mechanical function. The inner part is filled with a basic parenchyma, in which the vascular collateral bundles are scattered. These are covered in more or less strong sclerenchymatic sheaths.



The vascular bundle is a part of the transport system in vascular plants, formed by organizing conductive tissues into strands. The system of vascular bundles in the stem and root forms (together with basic tissues) a central cylinder, in the leaves it manifests itself as veins. Their function is the distribution of solutions of minerals from the roots to plant bodies (transpiration stream) and assimilates from the places of their formation to the places of consumption (assimilation stream). The transport itself happens in vascular tissue, which exists in two forms: xylem and phloem. Both these tissues are present in a vascular bundle, which in addition will include supporting and protective tissues.

## Keywords
plants leaf stem monocotyledonous dicotyledonous differences