Slide 10: shows a cross section of a monocot (left) and eudicot (right) stem. In a eudicot stem there are two areas of parenchyma tissue: the cortex and pith. The cortex is the area on the periphery of the stem, between the epidermis and the vascular bundles. The pith is the area in the center of the stem, inside the vascular bundles. In a monocot the vascular bundles are scattered throughout the stem so there is no clear distinction between pith and cortex. All of the tissue surrounding the vascular bundles is parenchyma. Parenchyma of stems and roots functions in the storage of nutrients and water. When turgid, parenchyma is important in giving shape and support to the plant.