HISTOLOGICAL

STRUCTURE OF
LEAVES

MA. CHRISTINA. A. GENSAYA, RPh

HISTOLOGICAL STRUCTURE
OF LEAVES
Cross-section of a leaf
(LAMINA and MIDRIB)

A. EPIDERMIS - a single layer of protective

tubular cells covering the ventral and dorsal sides of a leaf

VENTRAL EPIDERMIS –
STOMATA -
B. MESOPHYLL

 region between ventral and

dorsal epidermis
 It is where photosynthesis
occurs
2 KINDS OF CHLORENCHYMA:

1. PALISADE LAYER
 This is consists usually of a single
layer of parenchyma cells closely
packed together and arranged
perpendicular to the surface. It is
usually found under the ventral
epidermis.
2. SPONGY PARENCHYMA

 This is consists of several layers of

parenchyma cells filled with water.
It has fewer chloroplastids.
3. VEINS

- Made up of fibrovascular bundles

which are continuation of those in
midrib; framework of the blade

 VEINLET
 MIDRIB
STOMATA

- Tiny epidermal pores in the

outer layer epidermis of a plant
leaf or stem that controls the
passing of water vapor and other
gases into and out of the plant.
DISTRIBUTION OF STOMATA

 More on the dorsal side of the leaves

 For leaves that are vertical or pendant,
stomata are usually found on both sides
 CLOSING AND OPENING OF STOMATA
 When guard cells are filled up with water
(turgid), the stomata open and when they
lose their turgidity, they close.
 The inner walls (concave side) are thick
while their outer walls (convex side) are
thin.
 When the guard cells are turgid,
the outer walls bulges, and as its
inner walls cannot bulge because it
is thick, it is pulled by the
distending outer wall. The stomata
are then opened.
 When the guard cells lose their
turgidity, they relax and the inner
sides straighten thus closing the
stomata.
 The stomata are open during the
day and close at night.