Cystidia
Cystidia are sterile cells found in fungi, particularly in the hymenium, which is the spore-bearing layer. These cells are microscopic and often have distinctive shapes and structures that are important for fungal identification. They can occur on the surface of gills, pores, or teeth, depending on the fungal group. The presence, type, and arrangement of cystidia are key characteristics used by mycologists to classify and differentiate fungal species.
There are several types of cystidia, each with a unique morphology. Cheilocystidia are found on the edges
The function of cystidia is not fully understood, but several hypotheses exist. They may play a role