Montana Cosmetology Licensure Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a part of the hair structure?

1. Hair bulb

2. Hair shaft

3. Hair follicle

4. Hair surface

The correct answer is: Hair surface

The correct answer identifies "Hair surface" as not being a recognized part of the hair structure. In the anatomy of hair, the fundamental components include the hair bulb, hair shaft, and hair follicle. The hair bulb is the enlarged structure at the base of the hair follicle, where the hair is produced and grows. It contains living cells and is involved in the hair growth cycle. The hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends above the skin's surface; it is composed of keratin, which is a fibrous protein. The hair follicle is the sheath-like structure that surrounds the hair root, anchoring the hair into the skin, and plays a significant role in hair growth. The term "hair surface" is not a standard term within hair anatomy. While one might refer to the outermost part of a hair in a descriptive context, it does not denote a specific anatomical structure like the other listed parts. It is essential to understand the distinct functions and roles of each named structure to recognize their significance in hair physiology.