Hair Analysis

What is the function of the hair shaft?

The visible part of hair; protects the skin and helps with temperature

What is the function of the epidermis?

Outer skin layer; protects

What is the function of the dermis?

Bottom skin layer: gives strength and contains nerves, blood vessels, and glands

What is the function of the basal layer?

Bottom layer of the epidermis; makes new skin cells (in between epidermis and dermis)

What is the function of the sebaceous (oil) gland?

Makes oil to keep hair and skin soft

What is the function of the hair follicle?

Anchors the hair and allows it to grow

What is the function of the muscle?

Keeps follicle in place and contracts causing hair to stand straight up when it’s cold

What is the function of the vein and artery?

To carry and deliver oxygen-rich blood for hair and skin

What is the function of the cuticle?

Outer layer of hair; protects the hair shaft

What is the function of the cortex?

Middle hair layer; gives hair strength and color

What is the function of the medulla?

Inner hair layer; helps with structure (may be absent in some hair)

What is the function of cortical fusi?

Tiny air spaces in the hair cortex make hair less dense and a better insulator

What is melanin(located in the cortex)?

pigment granulates that give hair it’s color

What is keratin(located in the cortex)?

protein that gives hair mass and voluma