Hair Structure Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Hair Anatomy

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the arrector pili muscles attached to hair follicles?

To secrete sebum and keep hair moisturized

To stimulate sweat gland activity and regulate body temperature

To anchor the hair shaft to the skin and provide structural support

To contract and pull hair follicles upright, trapping air for insulation (correct)

What is the main difference between the shaft and root regions of a hair?

The shaft is composed of dead, keratinized cells, while the root contains living cells

The shaft contains the medulla, cortex, and cuticle, while the root does not

The shaft has a higher density of sebaceous glands compared to the root

The shaft is exposed above the skin, while the root is enclosed within the hair follicle (correct)

Which type of gland is responsible for producing sebum to lubricate and condition the hair?

Eccrine sweat glands

Apocrine sweat glands

Sebaceous glands (correct)

Ceruminous glands

Where are the hair follicles and associated structures located within the skin?

Extending from the epidermis into the subcutaneous tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which specialized sweat glands are responsible for producing apocrine sweat, which has a distinctive odor?

Apocrine sweat glands Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hair matrix, the layer of cells at the base of the hair follicle?

To produce the keratin that forms the hair shaft Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about eccrine sweat glands is correct?

They are abundant on the palms, soles, and forehead. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sebaceous glands?

To secrete an oily substance called sebum onto the skin and hair follicles. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a specialized sweat gland?

Ceruminous glands Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about apocrine sweat glands is correct?

They are located in the anogenital and axillary areas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of hair follicles in relation to sweat glands and sebaceous glands?

To provide a pathway for sebum and sweat to reach the skin's surface. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of the acid mantle on the skin's surface?

To retard microbial growth on the skin. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the stratum corneum?

Facilitating the excretion of sweat and sebum Signup and view all the answers

Where are Meissner's corpuscles found?

In the dermal papillae of the papillary layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the dermal ridges?

To increase friction and enhance gripping Signup and view all the answers

Where are Pacinian corpuscles located?

In the reticular layer of the dermis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cleavage lines in the reticular layer?

To guide incisions for faster healing Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the epidermal ridges?

To increase friction and enhance gripping Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hair Structure and Function

Hairs (pili) are produced by cells in the matrix inside hair follicles
Each hair has two regions: shaft (exposed above the skin) and root (below the skin, enclosed by the hair follicle)
Hair functions include protection, thermoregulation, and insulation

Hair Follicle Structure

Hair follicle consists of hair root, hair bulb, internal epithelial root sheath, external epithelial root sheath, glassy membrane, and connective tissue root sheath
Hair matrix produces hair shaft, and hair papilla provides nutrients to the hair matrix

Nails

Nails are scale-like modifications of the epidermis
Found on the dorsal tips of fingers and toes

Striae (Stretch Marks)

Indicate dermal tearing replaced by silvery white scars
Tension (cleavage) lines indicate areas of the reticular layer with less collagen bundles

Nervous Structures in the Skin

Merkel discs: epidermal-dermal junctions that act as light touch receptors
Meissner's corpuscles: located in the papillary layer of the dermis, respond to touch
Pacinian corpuscles: located in the reticular layer of the dermis, respond to deep pressure
Root hair plexus: wrapped around the base of a hair follicle, stimulated when hairs bend, and act as touch receptors

Accessory Structures of the Skin

Derive from the stratum basale of the epidermis but reside in the dermis
Include sebaceous glands, sweat glands, hairs/hair follicles, and nails

Sweat Glands

Simple tubular multicellular exocrine glands
Two types: eccrine and apocrine
Eccrine sweat glands: abundant in palms, soles, and forehead, secrete sweat for thermoregulation
Apocrine sweat glands: located in anogenital and axillary areas, become active after puberty, and secrete a viscous fluid onto hair follicles
Specialized sweat glands include ceruminous glands and mammary glands

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Description

Test your knowledge on the structure and production of hair, including details about the shaft, root, and hair follicles. Learn about the cells in the matrix that are responsible for hair growth.