The fascicular cambium is a type of tissue found in plants that grows between the primary xylem and phloem. The spelling of this word is broken down phonetically as /fəˈsɪkjʊlər ˈkæmbiəm/. The first syllable, "fa", is pronounced as "fuh", while the second syllable, "sci", is pronounced as "suh". The emphasis is placed on the second syllable, "cul", which is pronounced as "kuhl". The final syllable, "ar cambium", is pronounced as "ər ˈkæmbiəm". Despite its complex spelling, the fascicular cambium plays an essential role in the growth and development of plants.
Fascicular cambium is a term used in plant anatomy to refer to a specific meristematic tissue layer found within the stems of woody plants. It is part of the cambial ring, which includes both fascicular cambium and interfascicular cambium.
Fascicular cambium is responsible for the secondary growth of stems, allowing the plant to increase in girth over time. It is located in discrete bundles, or fascicles, within the stem, typically aligned with the vascular bundles. These fascicles contain actively dividing cells that give rise to xylem and phloem tissues. The xylem tissue transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, while the phloem tissue carries nutrients produced during photosynthesis to other parts of the plant.
The cells of the fascicular cambium divide to produce daughter cells, some of which differentiate into xylem cells on the inside of the stem and others into phloem cells on the outside, adding to the existing vascular tissues. As this process continues over time, the stem expands in diameter. The cells produced by the fascicular cambium differentiate into secondary xylem, forming the woody part of the stem, and secondary phloem, which comprises the innermost part of the bark.
Overall, the fascicular cambium plays a crucial role in secondary growth and is vital for the development of woody stems in plants.
The word "fascicular" comes from the Latin word "fasciculus", meaning "a small bundle". It originated from the past participle of "fasciculare", which means "to bind in a bundle".
The term "cambium" stems from the Medieval Latin word "cambium", which refers to "exchanges" or "trading". It originated from the Latin word "cambire", meaning "to exchange".
When combined, "fascicular cambium" refers to the cambium layer found in the vascular bundles or fascicles of plants. This term is commonly used in botany to describe the specific region of cambial activity within these bundles.