Parenchyma

The parenchyma is the functional parts of an organ in the body (i.e. the nephrons of the kidney, the alveoli of the lungs).

In plants, parenchyma are unspecialized, thin-walled cells that make up the bulk of most nonwoodyy structures. Parenchyma cells in between the epidermis and pericycle in a root or shoot constitute the cortex, and are used for storage of food. Parenchyma cells within the center of the root or shoot constitute the pith. Parenchyma which contain chloroplasts are called chlorenchyma, and are found within leaves.