Cuticle Collection (#3)

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

Sweet potato stem, light micrograph
Sweet potato stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through part of a sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) stem. At bottom is a large area of pith, consisting of parenchyma cells

Clematis stem, light micrograph
Clematis stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a clematis (Clematis flammula) plant. At the centre of the stem is a large area of pith, consisting of parenchyma cells

Rosemary leaf, light micrograph
Rosemary leaf. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a rosemary (Romarinus officinalis) leaf. The leaf of this plant has a number of adaptations that help it to minimise water loss through

Pincushion leaf, light micrograph
Pin cushion leaf. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through a pinchusion (Hakea laurina) leaf. The leaf of this plant has a number of adaptations that help it to minimise water loss

Human finger, longitudinal section
Human finger. Light micrograph of a longitudinal section through a finger of a human infant. This shows the bones inside the finger (here, the 1st and 2nd phalanges)

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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.