integument
integument
1. The outermost body layer of an animal, characteristically comprising a layer of living cells – the epidermis – together with a superficial protective coat, which may be a secreted hardened cuticle, as in arthropods, or dead keratinized cells, as in vertebrates (see skin).
2. The outer protective covering of a plant ovule. It is perforated by a small pore, the micropyle. Usually two integuments are present in angiosperms and one in gymnosperms. After fertilization the integuments form the testa of the seed.
1. The outermost body layer of an animal, characteristically comprising a layer of living cells – the epidermis – together with a superficial protective coat, which may be a secreted hardened cuticle, as in arthropods, or dead keratinized cells, as in vertebrates (see skin).
2. The outer protective covering of a plant ovule. It is perforated by a small pore, the micropyle. Usually two integuments are present in angiosperms and one in gymnosperms. After fertilization the integuments form the testa of the seed.
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integument
