The Arrector Pili Muscle and the Follicular Unit of the Scalp

September 2002 in “ Dermatologic Surgery ”

Enrique Poblet, Francisco Vizcaíno Ortega, Francisco Jiménez

arrector pili muscle follicular unit hair follicles isthmus superior attachment zone hair follicle physiology

TLDR Each group of hair follicles on the scalp shares one muscle that helps control hair movement.

In a study examining the microscopic anatomy of the arrector pili muscles and their relationship with follicular units in the scalp, researchers analyzed horizontal sections of skin from 20 adult cadavers. They discovered that hair follicles within follicular units are located above the insertion points of the arrector pili muscles. These muscles appeared to converge at the isthmus level, forming a single structure that connects to the superior attachment zone, indicating that each follicular unit shares a common arrector pili muscle. The findings led to the proposal of an anatomical model that could enhance the understanding of hair follicle physiology and the broader role of the arrector pili muscle beyond hair elevation.

View this study on journals.lww.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 17 results

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community HRT is literal black magic. Fin 1 mg/day @ 4 years, min 2x/day @ 3 years, Estradiol 4mg/day @ 3.5 months, and Spironolactone 100mg/day @ 3.5 months (estra & spiro are medicines you should likely not take if you are a cis man)

in Progress Pictures 118 upvotes 3 months ago

User shared progress on hair regrowth using Fin 1 mg/day for 4 years, Min 2x/day for 3 years, Estradiol 4mg/day, and Spironolactone 100mg/day for 3.5 months. They noted significant hairline recovery and advised against HRT for cis men due to feminizing effects.

community My slick bald temples ( for about 7-8 years ) FIN MIN KETO MICRONEEDLING 2 months +

in Progress Pictures 54 upvotes 2 years ago

A user sharing their progress after using Fin, Minoxidil, keto diet, and microneedling for two months to attempt to regrow hair on bald temples. Other users replied with advice and support.

community Looks like a real cure to the root of baldness (DHT-induced senescence) was proven earlier this year

in Research/Science 742 upvotes 2 years ago

A study that outlines the full model for androgenic alopecia (AGA) which links DHT to cellular senescence in dermal papilla cells, and suggests black chokeberry as a source of cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside polyphenol with potential anti-oxidant properties that could reverse this process. The post encourages reaching out to experts in anti-aging and longevity to research treatments involving the polyphenol.

Physio-metabolic method of treating androgenic alopecia. Cold receptors. The relationship between DHT, cold receptors, minoxidil and antiandrogens

community Physio-metabolic method of treating androgenic alopecia. Cold receptors. The relationship between DHT, cold receptors, minoxidil and antiandrogens

in Research 411 upvotes 2 weeks ago

Treating androgenic alopecia with minoxidil, finasteride, and antiandrogens, alongside exercise, cryotherapy, and natural substances to stimulate cold receptors for better hair growth. The method focuses on enhancing treatment effectiveness by considering environmental and behavioral factors and the role of cold receptors and muscle stress.

community Physio-metabolic method of treating androgenic alopecia. Cold receptors. The relationship between DHT, cold receptors, minoxidil and antiandrogens.

in Research/Science 1 upvotes 2 weeks ago

A method for treating androgenic alopecia using minoxidil, antiandrogens, exercise, and cold exposure to promote hair growth. Environmental factors and lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, can improve treatment effectiveness.

Similar Research

5 / 881 results

research The Arrector Pili Muscle and the Follicular Unit of the Scalp: A Microscopic Anatomy Study

24 citations, September 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

The study found that hair follicles are above muscle connections in the scalp, which may help protect stem cell areas.

research Eccrine Sweat Glands Associate With the Human Hair Follicle Within a Defined Compartment of Dermal White Adipose Tissue

36 citations, February 2018 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Sweat glands and hair follicles are structurally connected within a specific layer of skin fat.

research 28 Hair Restoration

January 2016

Modern hair restoration techniques can effectively treat hair loss and provide natural-looking results.

research Alopecia and Techniques in Hair Restoration: An Overview for the Cosmetic Surgeon

5 citations, February 2019 in “Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery”

Hair loss can be reversed or even cured using advanced hair restoration techniques, with rare complications like swelling and bleeding.

research Beyond Goosebumps: Does the Arrector Pili Muscle Have a Role in Hair Loss?

31 citations, January 2014 in “International Journal of Trichology”

The arrector pili muscle might play a role in hair loss and needs more research to understand its impact.