Question

The shape of the hair strand is determined by the shape of the:

A) hair follicle
B) cuticle layer
C) inner root sheath
D) outer root sheath

Answer 1

D) Inner root sheath

Answer 2

The shape of the hair strand is determined by the shape of the hair follicle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The shape of the hair strand is determined by the shape of the hair follicle. The hair follicle is the part of the skin from which the hair grows. It surrounds the hair root and plays a key role in determining the shape and structure of the hair strand. The shape of the hair follicle influences whether the hair strand will be straight, wavy, or curly.

Basal cells in the hair matrix give rise to cells that form both the internal and external root sheaths, but it is the follicle's shape that dictates the hair strand's shape. The hair follicle's shape is imprinted on the hair shaft as it grows and keratinizes, moving towards the skin's surface.

Therefore, the follicle's form is a key factor in the resulting texture and shape of the hair that we see.