Separate glandular structures
Capitate-stalked, capitate-sessile, and bulbous trichomes differ in morphology and distribution. Pooling them without identifying type can make comparisons misleading.
Capitate-stalkedCapitate-sessileBulbous
Anatomy Deep Lab · Microscopy
Trichomes are structures to measure, not shortcuts to chemistry.
Compare capitate-stalked, capitate-sessile, and bulbous glandular trichomes while preserving tissue location, developmental stage, magnification, lighting, and image conditions. Microscopy can document morphology and change, but appearance alone does not measure cannabinoid or terpene concentration.
Gland head + secretory disc
Record head integrity, stalk condition, cuticle, and secretory-disc region. Mechanical contact can rupture or remove gland heads and alter what a microscope image appears to show.
Consistency comes before comparison
- Use the same organ and tissue position.
- Record developmental stage and sampling location.
- Keep magnification, focus, illumination, and camera settings consistent.
- Compare repeated fields rather than one selected image.
Color is not a single-variable harvest rule
Apparent clarity and coloration are affected by trichome type, optics, lighting, focus, tissue condition, and damage.
Evidence boundary: microscopy does not directly quantify cannabinoids or terpenes; laboratory analysis is required for chemical concentration.