HAIR FOLLICLES Meaning and
Definition
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Hair follicles are small structures located in the skin that play a vital role in hair growth. They are present across the entire surface of the body, with the exception of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Each hair follicle consists of multiple components, including a bulbous base at the deep end, from which the hair originates. This base is known as the hair bulb, which contains the cells responsible for hair production.
Within the hair follicle, there are various structures and tissues that contribute to the hair growth cycle. These structures include the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, a natural oil that lubricates and moisturizes the hair and the surrounding skin. Additionally, blood vessels within the follicle deliver oxygen and nutrients to the hair cells, facilitating their growth and maintenance.
The hair follicle undergoes a continuous cycle of growth, rest, and shedding known as the hair growth cycle. This cycle consists of three distinct phases – the anagen (growth) phase, the catagen (transition) phase, and the telogen (resting) phase. During the anagen phase, the hair cells divide rapidly, leading to hair growth. When the catagen phase begins, the hair stops growing and enters a transition period. Finally, during the telogen phase, the hair follicle is at rest, and the old hair is shed to make way for new hair growth. This cycle repeats throughout a person's life, with the duration of each phase varying between individuals.
Common Misspellings for HAIR FOLLICLES
- gair follicles
- bair follicles
- nair follicles
- jair follicles
- uair follicles
- yair follicles
- hzir follicles
- hsir follicles
- hwir follicles
- hqir follicles
- haur follicles
- hajr follicles
- hakr follicles
- haor follicles
- ha9r follicles
- ha8r follicles
- haie follicles
- haid follicles
- haif follicles
- hait follicles
Etymology of HAIR FOLLICLES
The word "hair follicles" comes from the combination of two terms: "hair" and "follicle". The term "hair" originated from the Old English word "hǣr", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*hǣrō". The Proto-Germanic word subsequently evolved into various forms in different Germanic languages, leading to the Modern English term "hair".
The word "follicle" has its roots in the Latin word "folliculus", which means "small bag or sac". In Latin, "folliculus" referred to a small natural container, such as a husk or a pod. It also had a specific usage in medicine to describe a gland or a small cavity.
When combined, "hair follicles" refers to the small sac-like structures in the skin that produce and nurture hair.
