Question

The pigment that gives hair its color is found primarily in the:

a) cortex
b) cuticle
c) papilla
d) medulla

Answer 1

a) cortex

The pigment that primarily gives hair its color is located in the cortex of the hair shaft, where melanin produced by melanocytes determines the hair color.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pigment that gives hair its color is found primarily in the cortex of the hair shaft. The hair shaft has three zones: the outermost zone known as the cuticle, the middle zone called the cortex, and the innermost zone called the medulla. The cortex contains the majority of the melanin, which is responsible for hair color. This pigment is produced by melanocytes in the hair papilla. The color of hair varies among individuals due to different types of melanin, which are genetically determined. As one ages, melanin production can decrease, leading to graying or whitening of the hair.