The spelling of the word "hairfollicle" is based on the combination of two words: hair and follicle. The sound /hɛər/ represents the first word hair, while the sound /ˈfɑlɪkəl/ represents the second word follicle. The phonetic transcription for the word hair is /hɛər/ and the transcription for the word follicle is /ˈfɑlɪkəl/. The combination of these two words forms the word "hairfollicle," which refers to a small cavity in the skin from which hair grows.
A hair follicle is a small, tube-like structure that resides in the skin and is responsible for the growth and development of hair. It is composed of multiple layers and located within the dermis, the second layer of skin. The hair follicle begins its development during embryonic development and continues to develop throughout one's life. It consists of several essential components, including the dermal papilla, which supplies blood and nutrients to the hair follicle, and the matrix cells, which actively produce new hair cells.
The hair follicle's main function is to produce and support hair growth. It houses the root of the hair, which is surrounded by various structures, such as the hair bulb and hair papilla. These structures contain special cells that divide and differentiate to form the different components of the hair strand, including the medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The hair follicle also includes sebaceous glands that produce sebum, which lubricates and nourishes the hair and the surrounding skin.
Each hair follicle undergoes a cycle of growth, rest, and shedding known as the hair growth cycle. Hair growth occurs during the anagen phase, a period of active cell proliferation, while the telogen phase is a resting period when the hair follicle is no longer actively producing hair. Eventually, the hair strand is shed during the exogen phase, making way for new hair to grow.
In summary, the hair follicle is a complex anatomical structure within the skin that plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and shedding of hair strands.
The word "hairfollicle" has a straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of two words: "hair" and "follicle".
1. Hair: The word "hair" can be traced back to the Old English "hǣr" or "hǣre", which referred to the natural growth on the human head or animal fur. It has cognates in various Germanic languages, such as German "Haar" and Dutch "haar".
2. Follicle: The word "follicle" comes from the Latin word "folliculus", meaning a small bag or sheath. This Latin term also evolved from "folium", which means "small bag" or "leather bag" in Latin, ultimately originating from the Proto-Indo-European root *bʰel- or *bhol- meaning "to swell, blow".