SecondaryXylem-7

Transverse section of Oak showing enormous Vessel Members in the Early Wood and smaller ones in late Wood. Other cells type include Fibers and Parenchyma.

Transverse section of Oak showing cells in the Late Wood. The circular cells are Axial Parenchyma, the other cells are Fibers.Note the presence of Small Rays.

Tangential Section through Oak Wood. The largest structures observed in this section are massive Multiseriate Rays!!!!! Note the presence of smaller rays, as well. A small Vessel can be seen left of center. Elongated, thick walled Fibers are also apparent.

Oak Radial Sections. I can see the side of the Fence (Ray).

Mascerated Oak Wood
Cell types are best distinguished in mascerated wood.
Vessel Member - Note the complex patterns of Pits on the Side Walls.
Vessel Member with Tracheids and a Fiber
Elongated Vessel Member
Tracheid - Note the many Pits and the absence of a Perforation Plate
Axial Parenchyma
A Bundle of Fibers - Note the absence of Pits	Individual Fibers.

Secondary Xylem-Wood-7

Angiosperm Wood

**Angiosperm wood is generally more complex than Gymnosperm. Oak (Quercus) has the widest array of different cell types and will serve as an extreme example.**

The axial system angiosperms have both kinds of Tracheary elements (Vessel Members & Tracheids). Furthermore, Fibers may also be present, as well as Axial Parenchyma. Some of these can be distinguished in Transverse (Cross) sections but others may not become clear unless long sections are studied.