A strand of tissue containing both xylem and phloem, often surrounded by supporting cells, that transports water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant. These bundles form the 'veins' visible in leaves and the transport system in stems and roots.
From Latin 'vasculum' (small vessel) combined with 'bundle,' reflecting how these structures contain the plant's transport vessels grouped together. The term developed in the 19th century as plant anatomy advanced.
Vascular bundles are like a plant's highway system with express lanes going both directions - xylem is the uptown express carrying water and minerals, while phloem is the downtown express carrying sugars! In monocots like corn, these bundles are scattered throughout the stem, while in dicots they're arranged in a neat circle.
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