Forensics - Hair

Front

What are class characteristics in forensic evidence?

Back

Class characteristics are properties of evidence that can only be associated with a group and not a single source.

Front

What protein is the hair shaft primarily composed of?

Back

Keratin is the important protein that makes up the hair shaft.

Front

In the pencil analogy, what does the cuticle represent?

Back

The cuticle corresponds to the paint on the surface of the pencil.

Front

Does hair always contain DNA?

Back

False. Hair does not always contain DNA.

Front

In the pencil analogy, what does the medulla represent?

Back

The medulla corresponds to the lead inside the pencil.

Front

What is the function of the hair follicle?

Back

The hair follicle is the structure from which hair grows and is responsible for anchoring the hair into the skin.

Front

What are the three main layers of hair?

Back

The three main layers of hair are the cuticle, cortex, and medulla.

Front

What is the role of the cortex in hair?

Back

The cortex provides strength, color, and texture to the hair.

Front

How can hair be used in forensic investigations?

Back

Hair can be used to link a suspect to a crime scene or victim through comparison and analysis.

Front

What is the difference between human and animal hair?

Back

Human hair typically has a more uniform structure, while animal hair can vary significantly in thickness and texture.