Pith
Pith
Pith (/pɪθ/), also known as medulla, is a central tissue in the stems of vascular plants. It is composed of soft, spongy parenchyma cells, which store and transport nutrients throughout the plant.
Etymology
The term "pith" comes from the Old English word "pitha", meaning the core or marrow of something. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to refer to the essential part or marrow of something.
Structure and Function
Pith is located in the center of the plant stem, surrounded by a ring of vascular tissue. It is composed of soft, spongy parenchyma cells, which are involved in storage and transport of nutrients. In some plants, the pith is large and stores a lot of food, while in others it is small and filled with air.
The pith is also involved in the transport of water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves, and in some plants, it can help in the process of photosynthesis.
Related Terms
- Vascular tissue: The complex conducting tissue, formed of more than one cell type, found in vascular plants.
- Parenchyma: The functional part of an organ in the body or the functional tissues of plants, composed of thin-walled cells.
- Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll pigments.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pith
- Wikipedia's article - Pith
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