Electrolysis Practice Exam

From where does the hair take its shape, size, and direction?

1. Hair bulb

2. Hair shaft

3. Hair follicle

4. Hair root

The correct answer is: Hair follicle

The hair takes its shape, size, and direction from the hair follicle. The hair follicle is a dynamic structure located in the dermis of the skin, which plays a crucial role in hair growth and development. The cells within the hair follicle determine the characteristics of the hair, including its texture, thickness, and growth patterns. The hair bulb, which is located at the base of the follicle, is where the living cells divide and grow, leading to the formation of the hair strand. However, while the bulb is important for hair production, it is the follicle that encompasses the entire structure and governs the overall properties of the hair being produced. The hair shaft is the part of the hair that extends above the skin's surface, consisting of dead keratinized cells and does not contribute to the shape and direction since it is already formed. The hair root refers to the portion of the hair embedded in the follicle and is closely associated with the follicle, but it is not responsible for the characteristics of the hair itself; it serves as the anchor for the hair. Thus, the hair follicle is the primary source from which hair derives its characteristics, making it the correct answer.