Forensics Chapter 10

Hair

An appendage of the skin that grows from the hair follicle.

Cuticle

The scale structure covering the exterior of the hair.

Cortex

The main body of the hair shaft, embedded with pigment granules that impart color.

Medulla

A cellular column running through the center of the hair.

Follicular Tag

A translucent tissue surrounding the hair's shaft near the root, which may contain DNA.

Anagen Phase

The active growth phase of hair.

Catagen Phase

The transitional phase of hair growth.

Telogen Phase

The resting phase of hair growth.

Medullary Index

The ratio of the diameter of the medulla to the diameter of the hair shaft.

Natural Fibers

Fibers derived from plant or animal sources.

Man-made Fibers

Fibers manufactured from natural or synthetic raw materials.

Infrared Spectrophotometry

A method for identifying the generic class of fibers based on how they absorb infrared light.

Imbricate

or flattered scale, scale pattern for human hair, type consists of overlapping scales with narrow margins.