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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Hair Structure Quiz: Know the Cuticle, Cortex, and Medulla

Quick, free hair anatomy quiz to check your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Malak ShaheenUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz graphic showing hair shaft cross section with cuticle cortex medulla layers on golden yellow background

This hair structure quiz helps you learn and label the hair shaft, including the cuticle, cortex, and medulla, and spot any gaps before class or a test. You will see instant feedback and simple notes as you go. For more practice, check out our hair knowledge quiz, explore the hair and scalp properties quiz, or review care basics with the hair care knowledge quiz.

Which layer forms the outermost covering of the hair shaft?
Cortex
Medulla
Internal root sheath
Cuticle
The hair cuticle is comprised of overlapping scale-like keratin cells forming the visible outer layer. It shields the cortex and medulla from physical and chemical damage. The semitransparent cuticle scales lie flat in healthy hair, enhancing shine.
Which hair shaft layer contains the pigment granules responsible for hair color?
Cuticle
Cortex
Sebaceous layer
Medulla
The cortex is the thickest hair shaft layer, housing elongated keratin cells and melanin granules. These pigment granules within the cortex determine the hair's natural color. Cortex structure also contributes to hair's strength and flexibility.
What is a characteristic feature of the medulla in the hair shaft?
It binds pigment granules directly to the cuticle
It contains air spaces and is sometimes absent in fine hairs
It produces sebum for hair lubrication
It is made of densely packed keratin scales
The medulla, when present, is the innermost hair shaft layer composed of loosely packed cells and air spaces. It can be continuous, fragmented, or completely absent in fine or light-colored hairs. This layer's configuration is often used in forensic hair analysis.
Which type of protein primarily composes the cortex of a hair shaft?
Collagen
Alpha-keratin
Melanin
Keratinase
The hair cortex is primarily made of alpha-keratin proteins organized into elongated intermediate filaments. These keratin chains form complex helical structures that provide strength and elasticity. The keratin composition also affects hair texture and tensile properties.
What is the main function of the hair cuticle?
Produce melanin for hair pigmentation
Store water within hair fibers
Anchor the hair to the follicle
Protect inner layers from damage and moisture loss
The cuticle functions as the hair's protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and shielding the inner cortex and medulla from environmental damage. Its overlapping scales also contribute to hair's smooth appearance and tensile strength. Damage to the cuticle can lead to frizz and split ends.
Which cuticle scale pattern is most commonly found in human hair?
Coronal
Spinous
Pectinate
Imbricate (Flattened overlapping)
Human hair cuticles most often exhibit an imbricate or flattened overlapping scale pattern. This contrasts with coronal and spinous patterns found in some animal species. The imbricate pattern helps humans maintain flexible and smooth hair strands.
A medullary index greater than 0.5 is typically indicative of which type of hair?
Human head hair
Human pubic hair
Artificially treated hair
Animal hair
The medullary index measures the ratio of medulla diameter to hair shaft diameter. In animals, the medulla often occupies more than half the shaft (index >0.5), whereas human hair typically has a lower index. This distinction is a key criterion in forensic hair examinations.
Which melanin type is predominantly responsible for red hair coloration?
Pheomelanin
Eumelanin
Trichochrome
Neuromelanin
Pheomelanin is the sulfur-containing pigment responsible for red and blonde hair tones. In contrast, eumelanin produces brown and black colors. The relative concentration of these melanin types within the cortex determines overall hair color.
Which type of chemical bond is mainly responsible for the hair shaft's temporary shape changes such as curling when wet?
Metallic bonds
Disulfide bonds
Hydrogen bonds
Ionic bonds
Hydrogen bonds form between keratin chains and are easily broken by water, heat, or chemicals. These temporary bonds determine hair's shape in wet styling and re-form during drying. Unlike disulfide bonds, they do not provide permanent fixation but allow for flexible styling.
What type of bond gives hair its high tensile strength and contributes to its permanent shape?
Peptide bonds
Disulfide bonds
Hydrogen bonds
Ionic bonds
Disulfide bonds between cysteine residues in keratin molecules are covalent links that confer hair's permanent shape and mechanical strength. These bonds are responsible for hair's resilience and resistance to tension. Chemical treatments like perming also target disulfide bonds to alter hair shape.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Hair Shaft Layers -

    Readers will be able to identify the three primary layers of the hair shaft structure - cuticle, cortex, and medulla - within hair shaft anatomy.

  2. Describe Layer Functions -

    Readers will explain the specific function of each layer of the hair shaft and how they work together to maintain hair strength and health.

  3. Analyze Structural Integrity -

    Readers will analyze how damage to the cuticle, cortex, or medulla impacts overall hair health and appearance.

  4. Apply Hair Care Tips -

    Readers will leverage expert tips to protect and strengthen each layer of the hair shaft, promoting resilient hair structure layers.

  5. Assess Knowledge with Quiz -

    Readers will test their mastery of hair shaft anatomy by answering targeted quiz questions on layers of the hair shaft.

  6. Differentiate Common Issues -

    Readers will distinguish common hair structure layer problems such as split ends or breakage based on which layer is compromised.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Cuticle Layer as Protective Shield -

    The cuticle is the hair shaft's outermost layer composed of overlapping, scale-like cells that act like roof shingles to protect inner structures. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an intact cuticle retains moisture and reflects light, giving hair its natural shine. Damage from chemical treatments or heat can lift these scales, leading to rough, dull strands.

  2. Cortex Layer for Strength and Color -

    The cortex makes up over 90% of a hair fiber and contains keratin protein filaments that provide tensile strength (~200 MPa) and elasticity (~30% elongation), as shown in University of Bradford studies. Melanin granules within the cortex determine natural hair color and influence oxidative damage during bleaching. Understanding cortex health is key for trimming and conditioning strategies to prevent breakage.

  3. Medulla Layer and Its Variability -

    The medulla is the hair's central core that may be continuous, fragmented, or absent - especially in fine or vellus hairs, as described in the International Journal of Trichology. While its exact function is debated, the medulla may aid in thermal insulation and light refraction. Recognizing medulla presence under microscopy can help forensic analyses and fiber identification.

  4. Mnemonic for Layer Order -

    Remember the sequence Cuticle → Cortex → Medulla with the phrase "Cats Can Meow." This simple mnemonic helps lock in layer order for quizzes and practical exams. Pairing the word "seal" with cuticle, "structure" with cortex, and "core" with medulla reinforces each layer's primary role.

  5. Impact of Damage and Repair Strategies -

    C hemical or thermal treatments can lift cuticle scales, accelerating moisture loss and reducing tensile strength, as reported by the Journal of Cosmetic Science. Protein-rich and pH-balanced treatments help realign keratin cross-links in the cortex, restoring elasticity and smoothness. Regular use of leave-in conditioners and gentle brushing can reseal cuticles and maintain overall hair structure.

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