Cuticle Collection (#2)

Hair, SEM
Hair fracture. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a fractured hair (yellow and pink). The surrounding layer of facial skin (brown) has a typically scale-like surface

Palm. Magnified section of palm, historical artwork. The external ridged surface is the cuticle, with the thin layer of skin below this known as the rete mucosum, or epidermis

Magnified section of scalp, historical artwork. The external surface is the cuticle, with the layer of skin below this known as the rete mucosum, or epidermis

SEM of hair on scalp
Hair. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of hairs protruding from the surface of the scalp. Numerous desquamating cells (pink) are concentrically arranged around the base of the hair shaft

Coloured SEM of laser writing on a human hair
Laser script on human hair. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of writing on a human hair performed by a medical laser

Nasturtium stem, SEM
Nasturtium stem. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a freeze-fractured Nasturtium (Tropaeolum sp.) stem, showing numerous vascular bundles (such as at upper centre)

Water lily stem, SEM
Water lily stem. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a freeze-fractured water lily stem showing numerous vascular bundles (grey) and large intercellular air spaces (holes)

Cashmere wool, SEM
Cashmere wool. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of hair fibres from the cashmere goat. The cuticle (outer layer) of the hair comprises overlapping scales

Common rush stem, light micrograph
Common rush stem. Light micrograph of a section through the stem of a common rush (Juncus conglomeratus) plant, showing stellate cells

Sharp rush stem, light micrograph
Sharp rush stem. Light micrograph of a section through the stem of a sharp rush (Juncus acutus) plant. This arid-adapted plant (xerophyte) has scattered vascular bundles

Ammophila arenaria leaf, light micrograph
Ammophila arenaria leaf. Polarised light micrograph of a section through a marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) leaf, showing the characteristics that help reduce water loss

Hair shaft, light micrograph
Hair shaft, differential interference contrast light micrograph. The outer layer of a hair shaft (the cuticle) has overlapping scales of keratin

Mint leaf surface, SEM
Mint leaf surface. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface of a mint (Menta sp.) leaf. The white structures are oil glands

Human hair, SEM
Human hair, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Hairs are made up of dead tissue. The outside of the hair, the cuticle

Oleander leaf, light micrograph
Oleander leaf. Light micrograph of a section through the leaf of an oleander (Nerium oleander) tree, showing its sunken stomata (gaps, centre left and right)

Pine tree needle, light micrograph
Pine tree needle. Polarised light micrograph of a cross-section through a needle from a Pinus pine tree. This leaf is needle-like in order to reduce water loss (transpiration)

Hair shaft anatomy, artwork
Hair shaft anatomy. Cutaway artwork showing the internal structure and anatomy of a human hair. Hair is made of a fibrous protein called keratin

Insect anatomy, artwork
Insect anatomy. Computer artwork of a cross-section through the body of a typical Insect showing the main structures and organs. For the labelled diagram see image: C008/8724

Newly-emerged dragonflies. Adult dragonflies (order Odonata) on plant stems after emerging from the nypmh stage. Their discarded nymphal cases (exuviae) can be seen below and between them

Kidney bean stem, light micrograph
Kidney bean stem. Light micrograph of a section through the stem of a kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) plant. The outer layer is the cuticle (brown), with a cortex of parenchyma (yellow) beneath it

Pine needle, light micrograph
Pine needle. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a leaf (needle) of a pine tree (Pinus sp.). The leaves are needle-like so they present a large surface area for photosynthesis but

Young pine tree stem, light micrograph
Young pine tree stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a two and a half-year-old stem of a pine tree (Pinus sp.)

Dyers greenweed stem, light micrograph
Dyers greenweed stem. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a dyers greenweed (Genista tinctoria) plant

Marsh samphire stem, light micrograph
Marsh samphire stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a marsh samphire, (Salicornia europaea) plant. This is a succulent, xerophytic, halophyte plant

Pine wood structure, light micrograph
Pine wood structure. Polarised light micrograph of a longitudinal radial section through the stem wood (xylem) of the deal pine tree (Pinus mitis)

Eucalyptus leaf, light micrograph
Eucalyptus leaf. Light micrograph of a cross-section through the midrib of a eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) leaf. This xerophytic (arid-adapted)

Cedar tree stem, light micrograph
Cedar tree stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a stem of a cedar tree (Thujopsis dolobrata). The four ridges on the outer surface are microphyllous leaves

Sunflower stem, light micrograph
Sunflower stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a sunflower (Helianthus annuus) plant, showing a vascular bundle

Eucalyptus stem, light micrograph
Eucalyptus stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a one-year-old stem of a Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) plant

Mahogany wood structure, light micrograph
Mahogany wood structure. Polarised light micrograph of a longitudinal tangential section through a woody stem (xylem) of a mahogany (Swietenia sp.) tree

Beech leaves, light micrograph
Beech leaves. Light micrograph of a transverse section through two beech leaves (Fagus sylvatica). The shapes of the two leaves are different because the bottom leaf is constantly exposed to bright

Ginger leaf, light micrograph
Ginger leaf. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the midrib of a ginger (Zingiber officinale) leaf. The lower and upper epidermis (blue)

Young yew tree stem, light micrograph
Young yew tree stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a one-year-old stem of a yew tree (Taxus baccata). The epidermis (outer layer)

Cat hair, SEM
Cat hair, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The outside of the hair, the cuticle, is covered in overlapping scales of dead cells containing the protein keratin

Human hairs, SEM
Human hairs. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of three human hairs next to each other. The outside of the hair, the cuticle

Leaf midrib, light micrograph
Leaf midrib. Light micrograph (LM) of a section through the midrib of a leaf from a monocotyledon plant. The midrib (midvein) is the continuation of a leafs stem along the centre of the leaf

Leaf midrib, SEM
Leaf midrib. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through the midrib of a leaf from the Common Box (Buxus sempervirens)

Pincushion hakea leaf, light micrograph
Pincushion hakea leaf. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through the leaf of a pincushion hakea (Hakea laurina) plant. This is a drought plant (xerophyte)

Heather leaf stomata, light micrograph
Heather leaf stomata. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a stomata (centre, circular) in the leaf of a heather (Erica sp.) plant. Heather is a drought plant (xerophyte)

Heather leaf, light micrograph
Heather leaf. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the leaf of a heather (Erica sp.) plant. Heather is a drought plant (xerophyte)

She-oak stem, light micrograph
She-oak stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of the Australian she-oak (Casuarina equisetifolia). The she-oak is a drought plant (xerophyte)

Water lily leaf stalk, light micrograph
Water lily leaf stalk. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the leaf stalk (petiole) of a water lily (Nymphaea sp.). All aquatic plants (hydrophytes) have a similar structure

Pondweed stem, light micrograph
Pondweed stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a pondweed (Potamogeton sp.) plant. All aquatic plants (hydrophytes) have a similar stem structure

Water milfoil stem, light micrograph
Water milfoil stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of the aquatic whorled water milfoil (Myriophyllum verticillatum) plant

Water milfoil shoot-tip, light micrograph
Water milfoil shoot tip. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the shoot-tip of the aquatic whorled water milfoil (Myriophyllum verticillatum) plant

Waterweed stem, light micrograph
Waterweed stem. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through a stem of the aquatic western waterweed (Elodea nuttallii) plant

Mistletoe stem, light micrograph
Mistletoe stem. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a mistletoe (Viscum album) plant. The epidermis (outer layer)

Mares tail stem, light micrograph
Mares tail stem. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through a stem of the aquatic mares tail (Hippuris vulgaris) plant. All aquatic plants (hydrophytes) have a similar stem structure

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"Exploring the Intricate World of Cuticles: From Water Lily Leaves to Giant Panda Hair" Delicate and ethereal, the water lily leaf showcases its intricate cuticle structure under a light micrograph. Unveiling the evolution of beauty culture, a vintage black and white photo captures the electric manicure machine revolutionizing nail care. Nature's artistry at play: glistening water droplets delicately rest on a leaf's cuticle, creating an enchanting sight. Peering into the microscopic world, a biomedical illustration reveals the complex anatomy of a roundworm's cuticle – nature's armor for survival. Human hair takes center stage as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) unravels its fascinating structural details with astonishing clarity. Not just limited to humans, SEM delves into dog hair too, unraveling its unique composition and texture in mesmerizing detail. A captivating SEM image showcases giant panda hair in all its glory – each strand revealing nature's mastery in providing insulation and protection. Gastrotrichs take their turn under SEM scrutiny, showcasing their intriguing cuticular features that aid them in aquatic habitats. Another glimpse into human hair through SEM highlights its diverse textures and patterns – truly reflecting individuality at its finest. In this captivating journey through various specimens captured by cutting-edge technology like SEM or traditional photography methods like light micrographs, we discover how different organisms possess unique yet equally fascinating cuticles - from delicate leaves to human hairs or even gastrotrichs thriving underwater. The intricacies hidden within these seemingly ordinary structures remind us of nature’s remarkable ability to adapt and protect living beings across species boundaries.