Hair as evidence

Front

What is the cuticle in hair structure?

Back

The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, consisting of overlapping scale-like cells that protect the inner layers.

Front

What is the medulla in hair structure?

Back

The medulla is the central core of the hair, which can be continuous, fragmented, or absent.

Front

What is the cortex in hair structure?

Back

The cortex is the middle layer of the hair that contains fibrous proteins and melanin, giving hair its strength and color.

Front

What is the shaft of the hair?

Back

The shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends above the skin.

Front

What does the medullary index indicate?

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 animal hair.

Front

How can hair analysis help in forensic science?

Back

Hair analysis can determine the body region from which the hair came, the manner in which it was removed, and the broad racial background of the individual.

Front

What is the significance of a medullary index of 0.33 or less?

Back

A medullary index of 0.33 or less indicates that the hair is likely from a human.

Front

What are the different types of cuticle patterns?

Back

The three main types of cuticle patterns are coronal (crown-like), spinous (petal-like), and imbricate (flattened).

Front

What can fragmented medulla indicate?

Back

A fragmented medulla can indicate that the hair is from a human, as many animal hairs have a continuous medulla.

Front

What is the role of melanin in hair?

Back

Melanin is a pigment that gives hair its color and can vary in type and amount among individuals.