What is hair mainly composed of?
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Benjamin White
Works at Amazon, Lives in Seattle. Graduated from University of Washington with a degree in Business Administration.
As a subject matter expert in the field of dermatology, I can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the composition of hair. Hair is a fascinating and complex structure that serves various functions for the human body, such as providing protection from environmental factors, aiding in temperature regulation, and playing a role in social and personal identity.
Hair Structure and Composition:
Hair is primarily composed of a structural protein called keratin. Keratin is a fibrous protein that is also found in nails, hooves, feathers, and other similar structures. Within the hair, there are two main types of keratin: alpha-keratin and beta-keratin. Alpha-keratin is the dominant type in hair, making up over 90% of its composition.
Alpha-Keratin:
Alpha-keratin is a highly structured and resilient protein that forms long, coiled chains. These chains are what give hair its strength and elasticity. The alpha-keratin in hair is arranged in a specific pattern, with the protein filaments bundled together in a way that provides both flexibility and rigidity.
Cuticle:
The outermost layer of the hair shaft is known as the cuticle. This layer is made up of overlapping, flat, and translucent cells that are filled with keratin. The cuticle serves as a protective barrier, shielding the inner layers of the hair from external damage and environmental factors.
Cortex:
Beneath the cuticle lies the cortex, which is the main body of the hair shaft. The cortex is where the majority of the alpha-keratin is found and is responsible for the hair's strength and texture. It also contains pigment cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin, giving hair its color.
Medulla:
The innermost part of the hair is the medulla. Not all hairs have a medulla, and it is less common in fine or vellus hairs. The medulla is a series of air-filled cavities that can provide some insulation and contribute to the overall structure of the hair.
Hair Growth:
Hair growth occurs in the hair follicle, which is located in the dermis layer of the skin. The follicle contains a group of cells known as the matrix, which continuously divide and differentiate to produce new hair cells. As these cells are pushed upward and away from the matrix, they become filled with keratin and harden, forming the hair shaft.
Hair Types:
Hair can be categorized into different types based on its diameter and the shape of the hair shaft. The three main types are:
1. Terminal Hair: This is the thickest and coarsest type of hair, found primarily on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
2. Vellus Hair: These are fine, light-colored hairs that cover most of the body.
3. Lanugo Hair: This is a type of hair that is present on a developing fetus and is shed before birth.
Hair Care:
Understanding the composition of hair is crucial for proper hair care. Since hair is primarily made of keratin, it is susceptible to damage from heat, chemicals, and mechanical stress. Proper care includes gentle handling, avoiding excessive heat styling, using products that protect and nourish the hair, and maintaining a balanced diet to support healthy hair growth.
Hair as a Biomaterial:
In addition to its biological functions, hair has been used historically as a biomaterial for various purposes. It has been used in the creation of brushes, as a component in certain types of textiles, and even in forensic science for DNA analysis.
In conclusion, hair is a remarkable biomaterial that is primarily composed of alpha-keratin, which gives it its characteristic strength and resilience. Understanding the structure and composition of hair is essential for both its biological role and its practical applications.
Hair Structure and Composition:
Hair is primarily composed of a structural protein called keratin. Keratin is a fibrous protein that is also found in nails, hooves, feathers, and other similar structures. Within the hair, there are two main types of keratin: alpha-keratin and beta-keratin. Alpha-keratin is the dominant type in hair, making up over 90% of its composition.
Alpha-Keratin:
Alpha-keratin is a highly structured and resilient protein that forms long, coiled chains. These chains are what give hair its strength and elasticity. The alpha-keratin in hair is arranged in a specific pattern, with the protein filaments bundled together in a way that provides both flexibility and rigidity.
Cuticle:
The outermost layer of the hair shaft is known as the cuticle. This layer is made up of overlapping, flat, and translucent cells that are filled with keratin. The cuticle serves as a protective barrier, shielding the inner layers of the hair from external damage and environmental factors.
Cortex:
Beneath the cuticle lies the cortex, which is the main body of the hair shaft. The cortex is where the majority of the alpha-keratin is found and is responsible for the hair's strength and texture. It also contains pigment cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin, giving hair its color.
Medulla:
The innermost part of the hair is the medulla. Not all hairs have a medulla, and it is less common in fine or vellus hairs. The medulla is a series of air-filled cavities that can provide some insulation and contribute to the overall structure of the hair.
Hair Growth:
Hair growth occurs in the hair follicle, which is located in the dermis layer of the skin. The follicle contains a group of cells known as the matrix, which continuously divide and differentiate to produce new hair cells. As these cells are pushed upward and away from the matrix, they become filled with keratin and harden, forming the hair shaft.
Hair Types:
Hair can be categorized into different types based on its diameter and the shape of the hair shaft. The three main types are:
1. Terminal Hair: This is the thickest and coarsest type of hair, found primarily on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
2. Vellus Hair: These are fine, light-colored hairs that cover most of the body.
3. Lanugo Hair: This is a type of hair that is present on a developing fetus and is shed before birth.
Hair Care:
Understanding the composition of hair is crucial for proper hair care. Since hair is primarily made of keratin, it is susceptible to damage from heat, chemicals, and mechanical stress. Proper care includes gentle handling, avoiding excessive heat styling, using products that protect and nourish the hair, and maintaining a balanced diet to support healthy hair growth.
Hair as a Biomaterial:
In addition to its biological functions, hair has been used historically as a biomaterial for various purposes. It has been used in the creation of brushes, as a component in certain types of textiles, and even in forensic science for DNA analysis.
In conclusion, hair is a remarkable biomaterial that is primarily composed of alpha-keratin, which gives it its characteristic strength and resilience. Understanding the structure and composition of hair is essential for both its biological role and its practical applications.
2024-05-16 02:11:49
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Studied at the University of Johannesburg, Lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The human body, apart from areas of glabrous skin, is covered in follicles which produce thick terminal and fine vellus hair. Most common interest in hair is focused on hair growth, hair types, and hair care, but hair is also an important biomaterial primarily composed of protein, notably alpha-keratin.
2023-06-17 18:46:58
Amelia Gonzalez
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
The human body, apart from areas of glabrous skin, is covered in follicles which produce thick terminal and fine vellus hair. Most common interest in hair is focused on hair growth, hair types, and hair care, but hair is also an important biomaterial primarily composed of protein, notably alpha-keratin.
