Forensic Hair Analysis Flashcard

Front

What are the three main differences between human hair and nonhuman hair?

Back

Pattern of pigmentation, medullary index, cuticle type.

Front

What is yarn made out of?

Back

Yarn can be made from natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a blend of both.

Front

How can hair samples vary?

Back

Hair samples can vary by where the hair was retrieved on someone’s head, from different parts of the body, if the hair was chemically treated/dyed, and from different ethnic or ancestral backgrounds of the individual.

Front

How do natural fibers look under a microscope?

Back

Natural fibers have varied appearances.

Front

What are the three sources of natural fibers?

Back

Plant, animal, mineral.

Front

What is the medullary index?

Back

The medullary index is the ratio of the diameter of the medulla to the diameter of the hair shaft, used to differentiate between human and nonhuman hair.

Front

What is the significance of cuticle type in hair analysis?

Back

Cuticle type helps in identifying the species of the hair, as different species have distinct cuticle patterns.

Front

What are synthetic fibers?

Back

Synthetic fibers are man-made fibers created from chemical processes, such as nylon, polyester, and acrylic.

Front

What role does pigmentation play in hair analysis?

Back

Pigmentation patterns can help forensic scientists determine the origin of the hair and its potential source.

Front

What is the difference between natural and synthetic fibers?

Back

Natural fibers are derived from plants or animals, while synthetic fibers are manufactured from chemical compounds.