Midvein: meaning, definitions and examples
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midvein
[ ˈmɪdveɪn ]
botany anatomy
The midvein is the central vein of a leaf, extending from the base to the tip. It serves as the primary support structure for the leaf and is crucial for the transport of nutrients and water. The midvein can also be referred to as the main vein in the leaf structure.
Synonyms
central vein, costa, main vein.
Examples of usage
- The midvein of the leaf is thicker than the secondary veins.
- Observing the midvein helps explain how the leaf functions.
- In botany class, we learned about the role of the midvein in photosynthesis.
- The plant's midvein indicates its overall health.
Etymology
The term 'midvein' is derived from 'mid', meaning middle or center, and 'vein', which comes from the Latin 'vena', meaning a channel or a vessel. The concept of a midvein has been used in botanical texts since at least the 19th century to describe the primary vein of a leaf structure. This anatomical feature has been of great interest to botanists, as it plays a vital role in the overall morphology of plants. Through various studies, it has been observed that the midvein supports not only the structure but also facilitates the movement of water and nutrients. The differentiation in midvein thickness and prominence can also affect how leaves capture sunlight, impacting plant growth in various environments.