Anatomy Of Dicot Leaf Diagram Stock Image

The waxy cuticle forms a protective layer over both the upper and lower epidermis. Column-shaped cells form a layer below the upper epidermis. Palisade mesophyll cells contain chloroplasts, which assist with photosynthesis. Below the palisade mesophyll cells are the spongy mesophyll cells. These cells are loosely packed and covered in a thin layer of water. There are large intercellular air spaces between the spongy mesophyll cells. The center of the leaf has a large vascular bundle.