Hilum: Junction of Ovule & Funicle — NEET
✅ Asked in NEET 2024The Megasporangium (Ovule): Let us familiarise ourselves with the structure of a typical angiosperm ovule. The ovule is a small structure attached to the placenta by means of a stalk called funicle. The body of the ovule fuses with funicle in the region called hilum. Thus, hilum represents the junction between ovule and funicle. Each ovule has one or two protective envelopes called integuments. Integuments encircle the nucellus except at the tip where a small opening called the micropyle is organised. Opposite the micropylar end, is the chalaza, representing the basal part of the ovule.
Hilum is the junction point where the ovule body fuses with the funicle (stalk). NTA frequently tests this definition because students confuse hilum with other ovule parts like micropyle or chalaza. The key trap: hilum is NOT an opening (like micropyle) but a junction/fusion zone. To avoid mistakes, remember: hilum = where funicle attaches; micropyle = opening at top for pollen entry; chalaza = basal end opposite micropyle. This anatomical distinction is crucial because NEET questions ask you to identify ovule parts from diagrams or match functions with structures.
This paragraph was tested 3 times in NEET.
The junction between ovule and funicle is represented by:
The body of the ovule is fused within the funicle at (NEET 2020)
The ovule of an angiosperm is technically equivalent to (NEET 2016 Phase 2)
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