TLDR Antler velvet hair and body hair of red deer have different structures that help with protection and insulation.
The document from 2010 investigates the differences in morphology and ultrastructure between antler velvet hair and body hair of red deer (Cervus elaphus). The study found that while all hair types share the basic keratin fiber structure, there are significant variations in diameter, cuticle thickness, scale pattern, and cortex and medulla proportions. Antler velvet hairs have a complex arrangement of intermediate filaments and show damage to cuticle cells at the tips, while body hair consists of coarse guard hairs with a thick cuticle and fine, crimped underhairs similar to sheep wool. The study concludes that these structural differences contribute to the hairs' protective and insulating functions, with the ultrastructure of the hairs enhancing stiffness and resilience. Further research is suggested to explore the similarities between deer hair and human hair at a molecular level.
62 citations,
December 2008 in “Journal of structural biology” Hair curvature in Japanese people is linked to specific cell types and filament arrangements in the hair cortex.
85 citations,
October 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Curly hair shape is due to uneven growth patterns in the hair follicle.
254 citations,
January 2007 in “Chemical Society Reviews” Hair is a complex protein fiber with unique properties useful for developing hair products.
191 citations,
November 1959 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences” Hair and wool have complex microscopic structures with microfibrils and varying cystine content.
17 citations,
June 2012 in “Journal of experimental zoology. Part B, Molecular and developmental evolution” Hair in mammals likely evolved from glandular structures, not scales.
15 citations,
July 2004 in “Journal of morphology” Monotreme hair structure and protein distribution are similar to other mammals, but their inner root sheath cornifies differently, suggesting a unique evolution from reptile skin.
A new system for classifying curly hair types using precise measurements can improve hair care products and cultural inclusion.
Acidic sandy clay damages archaeological hair the most, while dry conditions preserve but make it brittle; silicone oil can help keep the hair flexible.
90 citations,
January 1979 in “International review of cytology” Wool follicles are complex, involving interactions between different cell types and structures.
