Venation

Definition

Venation is the arrangement of veins in a leaf or leaf-like structure. It plays a critical role in the transport of nutrients and water as well as providing structural support to the leaf.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are three main types of venation: parallel, pinnate, and palmate.
2. Monocot plants typically exhibit parallel venation, where veins run parallel to each other.
3. Dicot plants generally display either pinnate or palmate venation patterns.
4. Pinnate venation features a single main vein (midrib) from which smaller veins branch off laterally.
5. Palmate venation involves several main veins radiating out from a single point, resembling the palm of a hand.

Review Questions

• What are the three main types of venation found in leaves?
• Which type of plant, monocot or dicot, usually has parallel venation?
• Describe the difference between pinnate and palmate venation.

Related terms

Monocot: A class of angiosperms that typically have one seed leaf and exhibit parallel venation.

Dicot: A class of angiosperms that usually have two seed leaves and show either pinnate or palmate venation.

Midrib: The central or primary vein of a leaf, from which secondary veins branch out.