Description
Each strand of hair is made up of a medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The innermost region, the medulla, is not always present and is an open, unstructured region. The highly structural and organized cortex, or middle layer of the hair, is the primary source of mechanical strength and water uptake. The cortex contains melanin, which Colours the fibre based on the number, distribution and types of melanin granules. The shape of the follicle determines the shape of the cortex, and the shape of the fibre is related to how straight or curly the hair is. Asian hair typically has a round fiber and is quite straight. Oval and irregularly shaped fibres are generally more wavy or even curly. The cuticle is the outer covering. Its complex structure slides as the hair swells and is covered with a single molecular layer of lipid that makes the hair repel water. The diameter of human hair varies from 17 to 180 micrometers (0.00067 to 0.0071 in).
Function
The hair found on the head serves as insulation to keep heat within the body and cooling (when sweat evaporates from soaked hair); as well as Protection from the sun, dust and sweet getting into the eyes.
Colour
Various.
Shape
Threadlike; similar to grass.
Location
Top of the head.
Each strand of hair is made up of a medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The innermost region, the medulla, is not always present and is an open, unstructured region. The highly structural and organized cortex, or middle layer of the hair, is the primary source of mechanical strength and water uptake. The cortex contains melanin, which Colours the fibre based on the number, distribution and types of melanin granules. The shape of the follicle determines the shape of the cortex, and the shape of the fibre is related to how straight or curly the hair is. Asian hair typically has a round fiber and is quite straight. Oval and irregularly shaped fibres are generally more wavy or even curly. The cuticle is the outer covering. Its complex structure slides as the hair swells and is covered with a single molecular layer of lipid that makes the hair repel water. The diameter of human hair varies from 17 to 180 micrometers (0.00067 to 0.0071 in).
Function
The hair found on the head serves as insulation to keep heat within the body and cooling (when sweat evaporates from soaked hair); as well as Protection from the sun, dust and sweet getting into the eyes.
Colour
Various.
Shape
Threadlike; similar to grass.
Location
Top of the head.
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