Epictotyl refers to the region in a plant's stem that connects the cotyledons to the rest of the plant system. Some alternate terms that are commonly used to describe this region include hypocotyl, stem axis, or peduncle. Furthermore, in some cases, the term plumule is used to describe the embryonic shoot found at the top of the epicotyl. The terms "shoot axis" and "shoot system" are also often used to refer to the entire top of the plant, including both the stem and leaves surrounding the epicotyl. Ultimately, these words all describe different aspects of a plant's structure and development, but they all play critical roles in ensuring proper plant growth and survival.