Final answer:
Hair growth and texture are determined by several main structures including the follicle, bulb, dermal papilla, arrector pili muscle, and sebaceous gland. Together, they support hair origin, growth, and maintenance, and contribute to skin health and sensory functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The follicle is the sac from which the hair originates, penetrating from the epidermis into the dermis layer of the skin. The bulb is a structure at the base of the hair root that surrounds the dermal papilla and contains a layer of mitotically active basal cells called the hair matrix that inform hair growth. The dermal papilla is composed of connective tissue and contains blood capillaries and nerve endings.
The arrector pili muscle is a small muscle attached to the hair follicle that contracts in response to cold temperatures or emotional states, such as fear, causing the hair to stand up. The sebaceous gland is responsible for the production of sebum, an oily substance that helps to keep the skin and hair moisturized.
All these structures, embedded in the skin, play critical roles in the growth, texture, and color of the hair, and they also contribute to the body's ability to regulate temperature and sense the surrounding environment.
Learn more about Hair Structures