
Stinging Nettle, Sem

by Ted Kinsman
Title
Stinging Nettle, Sem
Artist
Ted Kinsman
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Scanning electron micrograph of the stem from a stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). The large stinging hairs are hollow tubes which act like tiny glass needles. The bulb at the base of each hair contains the stinging liquid (including formic acid, histamine and acetylcholine). The tips of the glassy hairs are easily broken when brushed, which easily pierces the skin to deliver the sting. The plant and roots have been used historically in alternative medicine to treat a variety of conditions, possibly by decreasing inflammation and increasing urine output. Width of image is 3 mm.
Uploaded
February 26th, 2023
Embed
Share
Similar Subjects
Comments
There are no comments for Stinging Nettle, Sem. Click here to post the first comment.