Guard hairs protect the undercoat and define the coat's shape and texture. They are part of the hair shaft, which plays a critical role in insulation and sensory functions for mammals.
The hairs that protect the undercoat and give the coat its shape and texture are called the guard hairs. These hairs have a protective function, shielding the softer undercoat and skin beneath from the environment and potential harm. Inside mammals, hair structures offer insulated protection, sensory input, and other vital functions. The hair shaft, which consists of the cuticle, cortex, and medulla, is composed of dead, keratin-filled cells. Arrector pili muscles in the skin contribute to raising the hair, particularly visible when mammals attempt to add insulation or appear larger to predators.
In conclusion, the protective, textured outer hairs known as guard hairs play both a functional and aesthetic role in mammalian coats.