Plant anatomy facts for kids

Chloroplasts in leaf cells of the moss Mnium stellare

Plant anatomy or phytotomy is the general term for the study of the internal structure of plants. Originally it included plant morphology, the description of the physical form and external structure of plants, but since the mid-20th century plant anatomy has been considered a separate field referring only to internal plant structure. Plant anatomy is now frequently investigated at the cellular level, and often involves the sectioning of tissues and microscopy.

Structural divisions

This is a diagram of the anatomy of a plant with labels of structural parts of the plants and the roots. 1. Shoot system. 2. Root system. 3. Hypocotyl. 4. Terminal bud. 5. Leaf blade. 6. Internode. 7. Axillary bud. 8. Petiole. 9. Stem. 10. Node. 11. Tap root. 12. Root hairs. 13. Root tip. 14. Root cap

Some studies of plant anatomy use a systems approach, organized on the basis of the plant's activities, such as nutrient transport, flowering, pollination, embryogenesis or seed development. Others are more classically divided into the following structural categories:

Vascular tissue of a gooseberry (left) and a vine branch (right) from Grew's Anatomy of Plants

Root tip

Flower anatomy, including study of the Calyx, Corolla, Androecium, and Gynoecium

Leaf anatomy, including study of the Epidermis, stomata and Palisade cells

Stem anatomy, including Stem structure and vascular tissues, buds and shoot apex

Fruit/Seed anatomy, including structure of the Ovule, Seed, Pericarp and Accessory fruit

Wood anatomy, including structure of the Bark, Cork, Xylem, Phloem, Vascular cambium, Heartwood and sapwood and branch collar

Root anatomy, including structure of the Root, root tip, endodermis