The hair follicle is responsible for creating hair. It's a small, tube-like structure found within the dermis, the layer of skin below the epidermis. The hair follicle contains a bulb at its base, which is where hair growth originates.
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
- Hair Follicle: This structure is embedded within the dermis and houses the hair shaft.
- Hair Bulb: Located at the base of the follicle, the bulb is where hair growth is initiated. It contains a group of rapidly dividing cells known as the matrix.
- Matrix: This layer of cells continuously multiplies and differentiates, forming new hair cells that push upward to create the hair shaft.
- Dermal Papilla: This small, cone-shaped structure located at the base of the bulb provides nourishment and signals to the hair follicle.
The hair follicle undergoes a continuous cycle of growth, regression, and resting phases, resulting in the regular shedding and regrowth of hair.
