Unit 2: Hair Analysis in Forensics

These flashcards cover key concepts, facts, and terminology related to hair analysis in forensics as discussed in the lecture.

Follicle

The part of hair that contains DNA.

Shaft

The part of hair that has no DNA and is composed of three layers: cuticle, cortex, and medulla.

Macroscopic properties of hair

Characteristics of hair that can be seen with the naked eye.

Microscopic properties of hair

Characteristics of hair that must be viewed with a microscope.

Medulla

A central core of the hair that can have different patterns.

Regions of hair collection

Hairs can originate from different body parts including the head, eyebrows, beard, pubic area, body, and underarms.

Medullary index

The ratio of the medulla diameter to the entire hair diameter, critical for distinguishing between human and animal hair.

Anagen phase

The active growth phase of hair lasting up to 3-5 years.

Catagen phase

The transition phase of hair growth where it is not growing.

Telogen phase

The resting phase before hair is pushed out, lasting 2-6 months.

Hair growth rate

Human hair typically grows about 0.4 mm per day.

Human root

The appearance of the hair root can differ based on whether it was forcibly removed or is a telogen hair.

Microscopy in hair analysis

A technique used by forensic analysts to compare the medullary index of suspect hair to evidence hair.

DNA from hair

Nuclear DNA is present in the root, while mitochondrial DNA is abundant in the hair shaft.

Neutron Activation Analysis

A test used to detect toxins or chemicals in hair, providing links to circumstances surrounding hair samples.