The four functions of stems are to support leaves, move water and minerals throughout the plant, produce food through photosynthesis, and store food. The tip of the external stem is called the terminal bud, which contains the apical meristem tissue responsible for increasing stem length. Leaves and buds attach to stems at nodes, and when they fall off they leave behind leaf scars. The three main internal tissues are xylem, which conducts water and minerals upward; phloem, which conducts food downward; and cambium, which increases stem thickness. Specialized stems include bulbs, corms, rhizomes, stolons, and tubers.