The medulla is a part of the hair shaft, located in the center of the hair, beneath the cortex and cuticle. It is not present in all hair types, and its presence, size, and structure can vary among individuals and even within different hairs on the same person.
The medulla consists of soft, loosely packed cells and can be categorized into different types based on its appearance:
- Continuous Medulla: In hairs with a continuous medulla, the medulla forms a continuous column running along the center of the hair shaft.
- Fragmented Medulla: In hairs with a fragmented medulla, the medulla is present, but it is fragmented and appears as isolated patches or discontinuous segments within the hair shaft.
- Absent Medulla: Some hairs may not have a visible medulla at all, meaning it is absent or not well-defined.
The size and prominence of the medulla can also vary. It can be thin, occupying a small portion of the hair shaft, or thick, taking up a significant portion of the hair’s diameter.
The function of the medulla is not entirely clear, and its significance is still a subject of study and debate. It is believed to play a role in the hair’s overall structure and function, but its specific function in human hair remains uncertain. It is more prominent and well-defined in certain animal hairs, such as those of certain mammals.
It’s important to note that the medulla is not always easily visible or distinguishable without the use of a microscope or specialized techniques. The presence or absence of the medulla does not significantly impact the appearance or health of the hair, and its relevance in everyday hair care and styling is minimal.
DE OJIE HAIR
website: www.deojie.com
whatsApp: +2349066911448
Address: Ajah, Lagos
Instagram / Tiktok: deojie_hair
The medulla is a component of the hair shaft, located in the innermost region of the hair. It is a soft, spongy, and central part of the hair that is not always present in every hair strand. The medulla can vary in appearance, structure, and thickness, and its presence or absence can vary between individuals and even within different areas of the same individual’s hair.
Here are some key points about the hair medulla:
- Presence and Absence: The medulla can be present or absent in hair strands. Some hairs have a well-defined medulla that runs through the center of the hair shaft, while others may have a fragmented or discontinuous medulla. In some cases, the medulla may be entirely absent, leaving the hair with only a cortex and cuticle.
- Structure: The medulla consists of cells and air spaces. The structure of the medulla can vary greatly, ranging from being completely hollow to containing densely packed cells or a combination of cells and air spaces.
- Variation: The presence, size, and density of the medulla can vary depending on various factors, including hair type, ethnicity, age, and location on the body. For example, human scalp hair often has a finer and less prominent medulla compared to other body hair types.
- Function: The exact function of the medulla is not fully understood. It is believed to play a role in providing structural support to the hair shaft and influencing certain hair properties such as hair texture and strength. However, the medulla’s function and significance in human hair are still subjects of ongoing research and debate.
It’s important to note that the presence or absence of the medulla does not significantly affect the overall appearance or health of the hair. The primary structural components of the hair shaft are the cuticle and cortex, which contribute to its strength, elasticity, and overall appearance.
When examining hair under a microscope, the presence or absence of the medulla can be observed by focusing on the central region of the hair shaft. However, it’s worth noting that not all hair strands will have a clearly visible medulla, and its appearance can vary significantly between individuals.
Leave a reply