Chapter 6: Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis
The vehicle is the binder that holds all the components together (pigment and solvent) and is usually made of natural or synthetic resins.
The hair follows a specific growth cycle, undergoing three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen.
Anagen → the active growth phase where the hair follicle is actively producing hair, lasting several years and resulting in significant lengthening of the hair.
Catagen → the transitional phase that lasts for a few weeks, during which the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the growing hair, effectively halting further growth.
Telogen → the resting phase that can last several months, during which the hair is fully formed but not actively growing; at the end of this phase, the hair may be shed, and a new anagen phase may begin.
Morpholohy → the study of the structure and form of hair, which includes examining characteristics such as thickness, color, and texture, providing essential information for forensic analysis.
Beetles in the family Dermestidae (the carpet beetles and the hide beetles) include members that feed on hair by producing to digest the keratin present in the hair
Hair remains attached to a decedent during the early parts of decomposition but falls away as putrefaction develops
Most common type of trace evidence
Shellac → a very old coating made from an insect extract and dissolved in methyl alcohol.
mainly used to protect wood, although it has been replaced by varnishes.