Human Hair Morphology: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study on a Male Caucasian and a Computerized Classification of Regional Differences

    June 1990 in “ PubMed
    W. M. Hess, Robert E. Seegmiller, Jared Gardner, J. V. Allen, S Barendregt
    TLDR Hair varies in size and features depending on body region.
    This study examined the morphological variations of terminal hair from different body regions of a Caucasian male using scanning electron microscopy. It found that hair diameter varied by region, with nostril hair being the largest and eyelash hair the smallest. Scalp hair grew rapidly in diameter, changing the appearance of scales. "Steak-boning," a morphological feature, was more common in Caucasoid whiskers, especially in mustache hair. The study also noted differences in cut surfaces of whiskers depending on the type of razor used. Computer analysis allowed for classification and quantification of hair from various body regions, highlighting regional differences in hair morphology.
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