The structure of the hair

Question 1

What are the three layers of the hair shaft?

Answer 1

1. The cuticle, the outer layer made of flattened cells that overlap and protect the hair from damage
2. The cortex, forms the main structure of the hair and contains the pigment. The health of cortex depends on the cuticle
3. The medulla, inner most layer is the softest layer and serves as the marrow of the hair.

Question 2

Sketch a diagram of the structure of the hair and label.

Answer 2

look it up – i can’t put it in

Question 3

What is the epidermis?

Answer 3

The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin that provides a water proof barrier and creates our skin tone.

Question 4

What is the dermis?

Answer 4

Is the inner layer of the two main layers of the skin, It supports and protects the skin and its deeper layers.

Question 5

The sweat glands purpose?

Answer 5

The sweat gland produces sweat to regulate the body’s temperature

Question 6

What does the sebaceous gland do?

Answer 6

Synthesises and creates sebum which protects the skin from damage and keeps the hair and skin supple

Question 7

What is the function of the arrector-pili muscle?

Answer 7

Is connected to the base of the hair at one end and the dermal tissue at the other. It contracts to make the hair stand on end and maintain body temperature

Question 8

What is the hair bulb?

Answer 8

The hair bulb is where there is new hair growth, It divides and grows living cells to make the hair shaft

Question 9

The purpose of the Blood vessels?

Answer 9

Nourish the cells and provide hormones to the hair bulb to modify the hair growth.

Question 10

What are the three main types of hair?

Answer 10

Asian/orientail - straight
Caucasian/european - wavy - curly
African/Caribbean - very curly