Structure of a mushroom

The mushroom is composed of an underground part (mycelium) and an aboveground, often edible part
that is also the reproductive organ.

spores
Microscopic seeds acting as reproductive agents; they are usually released into the air and fall on a substrate to
produce a new mushroom.

stem
Axis supporting the mushroom’s cap.

gill
Fertile spore-producing part of the mushroom, located under the cap.

mycelium
Tangle of hyphae created through spore germination, from which the aboveground part of the mushroom
develops.

hypha
Microscopic filament, often white, that draws water and the organic matter necessary for mushroom
development.

volva
Remnant of a membrane that completely covered the immature mushroom and ruptured as the stem grew.

ring
Membrane located under the cap and circling the stem; remnant of a membrane that covered the gills of the
immature mushroom and ruptured as the cap grew.

cap
Differently shaped and colored upper part of the mushroom that protects the gills; it usually resembles a
headdress, hence its name.