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Quizzes > Science

Papilla Supplies Nourishment: Hair Follicle Anatomy Quiz

Quick, free dermal papilla quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Mats RoloffUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Cosmetology Trichology Quiz on sky blue background.

This quiz helps you check your grasp of papilla and hair follicle anatomy and how the papilla supplies nourishment to the bulb. Reinforce the basics with hair follicle nourishment, then practice structure ID in a hair follicle labeling quiz, and round it out with an anagen phase quiz to connect growth stages.

What is the primary protein that makes up hair?
Keratin
Elastin
Melanin
Collagen
Hair shafts are composed mostly of keratin, a strong fibrous protein that provides structure and resilience. Keratin filaments are produced by the keratinocytes in the hair matrix. This protein is rich in sulfur-containing amino acids, giving hair its strength.
The outermost layer of the hair shaft is known as the:
Cortex
Cuticle
Medulla
Papilla
The cuticle is the protective outer layer of the hair shaft and consists of overlapping scale-like cells. It safeguards the inner cortex and medulla from damage and contributes to hair shine. Cuticle integrity is essential for managing hair porosity and protection against environmental stress.
Which phase of the hair growth cycle is the longest?
Catagen
Exogen
Anagen
Telogen
The anagen phase is the active growth phase of the hair cycle and can last two to six years on the scalp. During this time, cells in the hair bulb divide rapidly, adding length to the hair shaft. It accounts for the majority of hair present on the head at any given time.
Normal hair and scalp pH falls within which range?
3.0-4.0
4.5-5.5
6.5-7.5
7.0-8.0
The skin and scalp typically have an acidic pH between 4.5 and 5.5, which helps maintain the acid mantle and barrier function. This acidity protects against pathogens and ensures hair cuticle alignment. Using products that support this pH preserves hair health and scalp balance.
Which structure anchors the hair into the scalp?
Arrector pili muscle
Sebaceous gland
Hair follicle
Papillary loop
The hair follicle is a complex mini-organ that anchors hair into the dermis. It comprises the hair bulb, root sheaths, and dermal papilla, which together support growth. Surrounding structures like sebaceous glands and arrector pili attach to the follicle but do not anchor the hair itself.
Vellus hair is characterized by which of the following?
Curly texture
Medullated strands
Thick, pigmented shaft
Soft, fine, unpigmented hair
Vellus hair is fine, short, and usually unpigmented, covering most of the body. It lacks a medulla and has a small diameter compared to terminal hair. Vellus hair helps with thermoregulation and provides minimal protection.
Which pigment gives hair its dark brown to black color?
Keratin
Trichochrome
Eumelanin
Pheomelanin
Eumelanin is responsible for dark brown and black hair coloration. It is one of two primary melanin types; the other, pheomelanin, produces red and yellow tones. The ratio and concentration of these melanins determine hair color.
What is the function of the sebaceous gland associated with hair follicles?
Stimulate hair growth
Secrete sebum to lubricate hair and skin
Produce sweat
Store vitamin D
Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that lubricates both the hair shaft and the skin surface. Sebum maintains moisture, provides barrier protection, and supports healthy hair cuticles. Excess sebum can contribute to oily scalp conditions and dandruff.
During which phase does the hair follicle undergo involution?
Telogen
Catagen
Exogen
Anagen
The catagen phase is a short transitional stage lasting about two to three weeks, during which the lower part of the follicle shrinks (involution). Cells stop dividing and the hair detaches from the dermal papilla. This prepares the follicle for the resting telogen phase.
Telogen phase of the hair growth cycle typically lasts:
One year
Around three months
Six months
Three weeks
The telogen phase is the resting period lasting about three months on the scalp. During this phase, the hair shaft is fully keratinized and eventually sheds as new anagen hairs emerge. Approximately 10-15% of scalp hairs are in telogen at any one time.
Alopecia areata is primarily characterized by:
Fungal infection
Bacterial infection
Nutritional deficiency
Autoimmune attack on hair follicles
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system targets hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. It can affect any hair-bearing area and may spontaneously regrow or become chronic. There is typically no scarring of the scalp.
What term describes hair thinning caused by testosterone sensitivity?
Androgenic alopecia
Trichotillomania
Traction alopecia
Telogen effluvium
Androgenic alopecia is a genetically influenced condition where dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shrinks hair follicles in sensitive areas. It leads to progressive hair thinning and is commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. Treatments often target DHT production.
Excessive sebum production in the scalp can lead to:
Broken cuticle
Oily hair and dandruff
Dry hair
Telogen effluvium
Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, making hair appear greasy and contributing to dandruff formation. Yeast that feed on sebum metabolites can trigger scalp flaking and itching. Balancing sebum levels is key to healthy scalp care.
The hair's pliability and elasticity are mainly properties of its:
Medulla
Cortex
Internal root sheath
Cuticle
The cortex comprises elongated cells rich in keratin and gives the hair its strength, elasticity, and color. Keratin cross-links in the cortex allow hair to stretch and return to its shape. The cuticle primarily protects the cortex but does not contribute significantly to elasticity.
What is the primary role of the dermal papilla in hair growth?
Anchor hair
Produce melanin
Supply nutrients to the hair matrix
Protect hair shaft
The dermal papilla is a specialized structure at the base of the follicle that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the growing hair matrix. It plays a critical role in regulating the hair growth cycle and size of the hair shaft. The papilla's interaction with epithelial cells drives anagen initiation.
Which mineral is essential for healthy hair keratin formation?
Sulfur
Calcium
Iron
Sodium
Keratin is rich in sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine, making sulfur a critical component in hair protein structure. Adequate sulfur supports disulfide bond formation, strengthening the hair shaft. A deficiency can lead to weak, brittle hair.
Trichorrhexis nodosa is a condition involving:
Excessive sebum
Follicle atrophy
Hair shaft breakage at weak points
Fungal infection
Trichorrhexis nodosa is a hair shaft disorder characterized by frayed nodes where the cortex splits. These weak points result in hair breakage and a felt-like appearance under magnification. It can be congenital or acquired through physical or chemical trauma.
Monilethrix is distinguished by:
Beaded appearance of the hair shaft
Curly hair
Sparse lanugo
Ringed hair pigment
Monilethrix is a genetic hair shaft disorder where the hair appears beaded due to periodic narrowing of the cortex. Affected hairs break easily at constrictions, leading to short, brittle strands. The condition often presents near puberty.
Which stage immediately follows catagen in the hair growth cycle?
Anagen
Kenogen
Exogen
Telogen
Telogen is the resting phase that follows the catagen involution stage. During telogen, hair growth ceases, and the follicle remains dormant before shedding. This phase lasts approximately three months before the cycle restarts with anagen.
The arrector pili muscle's contraction in the hair follicle causes:
Hair color change
Hair growth stimulation
Sebum release
Goosebumps
The arrector pili is a small smooth muscle attached to the hair follicle. Its contraction pulls the follicle upright, causing the hair to stand on end and the skin to pucker (goosebumps). This response can help trap insulation.
Ringed hair is associated with alternating bands of:
Light and dark pigment
Thick and thin cortex
Curly and straight segments
Dry and oily segments
Ringed hair, also known as Pili annulati, presents alternating band patterns of light and dark pigmentation along the shaft. These bands result from air-filled cavities in the cortex that reflect light differently. It is usually a benign inherited trait.
A trichogram analysis primarily examines:
Hair root and growth phase under microscope
Sebum levels
Scalp pH
Follicle depth
A trichogram involves plucking hairs and analyzing roots and shafts under a microscope to assess growth phases. It helps quantify anagen, catagen, and telogen ratios for diagnosing hair disorders. It does not directly measure sebum or pH.
Which vitamin deficiency is linked to telogen effluvium?
Vitamin K
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin A
Vitamin D plays a role in hair follicle cycling and immune regulation. Deficiency has been associated with increased hair shedding and telogen effluvium. Supplementation can help restore normal hair growth in deficient individuals.
In a hair mineral analysis, elevated levels of heavy metals indicate:
Toxic exposure
Faster anagen
More melanin
Healthy growth
Hair mineral analysis can reveal exposure to heavy metals as they accumulate in the hair shaft. Elevated levels suggest environmental or occupational toxicity. This method is used for monitoring exposure rather than diagnosing hair disorders.
What does a high proportion of club hairs on a trichogram indicate?
Active growth
Sebum overproduction
Increased telogen phase
Prolonged anagen
Club hairs are fully keratinized and at the end of the telogen phase. A high ratio indicates more hairs are in the resting stage, consistent with telogen effluvium. Observing this shift helps diagnose hair shedding patterns.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Apply Trichology Basics -

    Integrate fundamental trichology principles into practical hair care scenarios to build a solid foundation.

  2. Identify Hair Structure Anatomy -

    Recognize the key components of hair structure anatomy and understand their roles in maintaining hair integrity.

  3. Explain Hair Bulb Nourishment -

    Detail which hair structure supplies nourishment to the hair bulb and how it supports hair growth.

  4. Describe Hair Growth Cycle Phases -

    Outline the anagen, catagen, and telogen stages as tested in the hair growth cycle quiz to deepen your understanding of hair development.

  5. Evaluate Scalp Health Assessment -

    Use scalp health assessment techniques to identify scalp conditions and recommend appropriate treatments.

  6. Utilize the Cosmetology Trichology Quiz -

    Leverage the quiz results to pinpoint strengths and knowledge gaps for continued skill improvement.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Dermal Papilla: Nourishment Hub -

    In both the cosmetology trichology quiz and real-world practice, the dermal papilla is the key hair structure that supplies nourishment to the hair bulb via its dense capillary network (American Academy of Dermatology). Common quiz questions, like "which hair structure supplies nourishment to the hair bulb," focus on papilla function in cell division. Remember the memory trick "Papilla = Powerhouse" to reinforce its pivotal role.

  2. Anagen, Catagen, Telogen: Growth Cycle Phases -

    The hair growth cycle consists of anagen (active growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting) phases, with anagen lasting 2 - 6 years according to NIH studies. Use the mnemonic "A.C.T." to breeze through any hair growth cycle quiz question: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen. Recognizing phase durations and cellular activities helps solidify your trichology basics.

  3. Hair Shaft Anatomy: Cuticle, Cortex, Medulla -

    Hair structure anatomy covers three primary layers: the cuticle (protective outer scale), the cortex (strength and pigment), and the medulla (central core), as detailed in the Journal of Cosmetic Science. Quiz-takers should note that cuticle damage increases porosity and breakage. The phrase "C-C-M" (Cuticle - Cortex - Medulla) can guide you from outside in.

  4. Scalp Vasculature and Nutrient Delivery -

    Trichology basics emphasize the rich vascular network beneath the scalp that delivers oxygen and nutrients, including biotin and iron, to hair follicles (Dermatologic Clinics). Effective blood flow modulation supports the anagen phase and prevents premature telogen entry. Recall that healthy microcirculation is the foundation of follicle vitality.

  5. Scalp Health Assessment Indicators -

    In any scalp health assessment, evaluate sebum distribution, pH balance, and microbial flora to detect issues like dandruff or folliculitis (American Academy of Dermatology). Keep an eye out for dryness, inflammation, or excessive oiliness as part of your quiz prep. Remember the acronym "O.D.I." (Oil, Dermis, Integrity) to cover key assessment parameters.

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