Bulbus pili refers to the structure at the base of a hair follicle, from which the hair grows. The spelling of bulbus pili can be explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as follows: /ˈbʌlbəs ˈpaɪli/. The first syllable of bulbus is pronounced with a short "u" sound /ʌ/, followed by the consonant sound /b/. The second syllable of pili is pronounced with a long "i" sound /aɪ/ and the final syllable ends with the consonant sound /li/. The correct spelling and pronunciation of bulbus pili are essential in medical terminology.
Bulbus pili, also known as the hair bulb, refers to the enlarged, bulbous structure located at the base of a hair follicle in mammals. It is an essential component of the hair follicle and plays a crucial role in hair growth and development. The bulbus pili is typically widened and rounded in shape, housing the dermal papilla, which contains a rich blood supply responsible for providing vital nutrients to the growing hair.
Within the bulbus pili, there are multiple cells and structures that contribute to hair growth. At the center, there is a cluster of actively dividing cells known as the matrix. These cells are responsible for the production and continuous growth of the hair shaft. Surrounding the matrix are the hair shaft cells, which undergo a process of keratinization, giving rise to the hardened structure of the hair.
Additionally, the bulbus pili contains melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells that determine the color of the hair. These melanocytes transfer pigments to the developing hair strands as they grow within the bulb.
The bulbus pili also serves as an anchoring point for the hair follicle, attaching it to the surrounding dermis. Through the papilla's vital blood supply and interactions with various cells within the bulb, the bulbus pili supports the continuous cycle of hair growth, ensuring the maintenance and vitality of hair throughout an organism's life.
Hair bulb, the lower expanded extremity of the hair which fits like a cap over the papilla pili at the bottom of the hair follicle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "bulbus pili" has Latin origins.
- "Bulbus" derives from the Latin word "bulbosus", meaning "bulbous" or "bulb-shaped". In this context, it refers to the rounded, enlarged base of a hair follicle.
- "Pili" is the plural form of the Latin word "pilus", which means "hair".
Combined, "bulbus pili" literally translates to "bulbous hair". It is a term used in anatomy to describe the bulb-like structure at the base of a hair follicle where the hair root is contained.