Question

Which of the following is the brief transition period between the growth and resting phases of a hair follicle?

a) Catagen phase
b) Telogen phase
c) Anagen phase
d) Exogen phase

Answer 1

The catagen phase is the brief transitional phase between the anagen (growth) and telogen (rest) phases of a hair follicle's life cycle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The brief transition period between the growth (anagen) phase and the resting (telogen) phase of a hair follicle is known as the catagen phase. During the catagen phase, which lasts for about 2 to 3 weeks, the hair follicle shrinks, and hair growth slows down as it prepares to enter the resting phase. The catagen phase begins with the end of the anagen phase and is characterized by a transition into quiescence. During this phase, which can last a few weeks, the hair follicle undergoes apoptosis-driven regression and loses about one-sixth of its standard diameter. This phase marks the end of the active growth of the hair follicle.