Question

_____ is hair loss that occurs as a result of genetics, age, and hormonal changes that cause the miniaturization of terminal hair, converting it to vellus hair.

a) Alopecia areata
b) Scarring alopecia
c) Androgenetic alopecia
d) Traction alopecia

Answer 1

Androgenetic alopecia is hair loss caused by genetics, age, and hormonal changes, leading to the conversion of terminal hair to vellus hair. It corresponds to pattern baldness, affecting both men and women. The condition relates to the hair growth cycle, which includes the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the question is c) Androgenetic alopecia. This condition is a form of hair loss that occurs due to a combination of genetics, age, and hormonal changes, specifically involving androgens. These factors contribute to the miniaturization of terminal hair, which is then converted to vellus hair, a finer and shorter form of hair. Androgenetic alopecia is commonly known as pattern baldness and affects both men and women, although the pattern of hair loss tends to differ between genders.

The hair growth cycle consists of the anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting) phases. During the anagen phase, which can last several years, hair grows actively. This phase is followed by the brief catagen phase, and then by the telogen phase, which can last a few months before the hair cycle restarts. The rate of hair growth during the anagen phase is typically about 0.3 mm per day. Hair loss occurs when more hair is shed than replaced, which can result from hormonal changes, dietary factors, aging, or genetic predisposition.