The lower layer of leaf tissue with loosely arranged, irregularly shaped cells and large air spaces that facilitate gas exchange. This tissue allows CO2 to reach photosynthetic cells and oxygen to exit the leaf.
Named for its sponge-like appearance with numerous air spaces, from Greek 'mesos' (middle) and 'phyllon' (leaf). The descriptive term emerged in 19th-century botanical texts as microscopy revealed the tissue's airy structure.
Spongy mesophyll is like a plant's lung tissue - its maze of air spaces can make up 70% of the tissue volume! This airy structure creates a massive internal surface area where gases can dissolve and diffuse, making each leaf an incredibly efficient gas exchange system.
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