What is the inner part of a woody stem made of dead cells known as?

The inner part of a woody stem made of dead cells is known as heartwood. Heartwood is the dense inner part of the tree trunk that provides structural support and strength. Over time, as trees grow, the inner layers of living tissue are converted into heartwood, which becomes darker and denser than the surrounding layers. This transformation is a natural process, allowing the tree to maintain its strength and durability while the surrounding layers, like sapwood, remain involved in nutrient transportation and water movement.

Understanding heartwood is essential for pest control professionals because it can influence how pests interact with the tree and the potential for wood decay and degradation. This knowledge is particularly relevant when assessing the structural integrity of wooden structures that could be affected by termite activity.