Puitestruktuuri

Puitestruktuuri refers to the structural organization and arrangement of wood within a living tree. It encompasses the various cell types, their distribution, and their alignment, which collectively determine the macroscopic properties of the wood. Key elements of puitestruktuur include the growth rings, which are visible as concentric circles in a cross-section of the trunk. Each growth ring represents one year of growth, composed of earlywood (formed in spring with larger, thinner-walled cells) and latewood (formed in summer with smaller, thicker-walled cells). The proportion and characteristics of earlywood and latewood significantly influence wood density and strength.

Beyond growth rings, puitestruktuur also considers the arrangement of tracheids, vessels (in hardwoods), fibers, and parenchyma cells. The orientation of these cells, whether axial, radial, or tangential, contributes to the anisotropic nature of wood, meaning its properties vary depending on the direction of measurement. Defects or anomalies in this structure, such as knots, shakes, or reaction wood (tension or compression wood), can also be considered part of the overall puitestruktuur and affect its utility. Understanding puitestruktuur is crucial for forestry, woodworking, and material science, as it directly impacts wood's mechanical strength, durability, and aesthetic qualities.