Structure and the
Human Hair Cell
The human hair cell has fascinated researchers for a long time.
Structurally, hair consists of an inner cortex, comprising spindle-shaped cells, and an outer sheath, called the cuticle.
Within each cortical cell are many fibrils, running parallel to the fibre axis, and between the fibrils is a softer material called the matrix. It grows from a hair follicle.
A hair follicle is part of the skin that grows hair by packing old cells together.
Inside the follicle the sebaceous gland is found, a tiny oil-producing gland found everywhere except on the palms and soles of the feet.
The thicker density of hair, the more sebaceous glands are found.
At the end of the hair, tiny blood vessels form the root, around the root there is a white structure called a bulb, which is visible on plucked healthy hairs.
The cuticle is responsible for much of the mechanical strength of the hair fibre.
It consists of scale-shaped layers. Human hair typically has 6-8 layers of cuticle. Wool has only one, and other animal hair may have many more layers.
Hair responds to its environment, and to its mechanical and chemical history.
For example, hair which is wetted, styled and then dried, acquires a temporary 'set', which can hold it in style. This style is lost when the hair gets wet again.
For more permanent styling, chemical treatments (perms) break and re-form the disulphide links within the hair structure.
Cystine, which is two cysteine molecules joined by a disulfide bond on contact with air.
One molecule of water (H2O) is the byproduct from the creation of each molecule of cystine. It can be taken as a supplement in the form of N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
These links are very robust; for example, virtually intact hair has been recovered from ancient Egyptian tombs. Different parts of the hair have different cysteine levels, leading to harder or softer material.
Now, just as a light aside - if you enjoy puzzlling over the human hair cell, you probably also puzzle over human hair as a whole - particularly as it relates to your own head!
Why not take time out, upload a photo of yourself to this web site, and start investigating the amazing transformations you can make to your own persona - just by 'trying on' all the wonderful hair styles they have available.
Your perfect look may be just this click away! Click here:
human hair cell and the human hair style.
Get your Beauty Fitness JOLT! here.
human hair cell
|
