Ultrastructural Characteristics of Neonate Scalp Hair

July 2016 in “ Indian journal of science and technology ”

Hee Joong Jung, Byung Soo Chang

neonate scalp hair scanning electron microscopy transmission electron microscopy cuticle cell cortex medulla exocuticle endocuticle A layer cell membrane complex cortical cells macrofibrils melanin granules hair follicles anagen phase SEM TEM

TLDR Neonate scalp hair is thinner, lacks a medulla, and has smaller follicles compared to adult hair.

The study investigated the microstructural characteristics of neonate scalp hair using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It found that neonate hairs had a terminal end thickness of ~2.5 µm, a slightly round shape, and one cuticle cell surrounding the cortex, but lacked a medulla. The cuticle cells exhibited typical structures, while the exocuticle, endocuticle, A layer, and cell membrane complex showed different electron densities. The cortex consisted of polygonal cortical cells filled with macrofibrils and melanin granules. Neonate hair follicles were ~0.5 mm in size, five times smaller than adult hair follicles, but structurally similar to anagen phase adult hair follicles.

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