This slide shows details of the spiral and annular bands in the vessels as well as associated xylem parenchyma cells between and on the edges of the vessels. In the centre is the cavity or lumen of a vessel. The red knobs on the side walls indicate the attachment of the spirals or bands to the wall layer. The other vessels are seen in surface view. Some of the bands and spirals are out of place, having been sliced by the microtome knife. At maturity, are these vessel elements living or dead?
