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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Scalp & Hair Quiz: Which Structure Nourishes the Hair Bulb?

Dive into scalp anatomy and hair bulb nutrition - challenge your trichology know-how!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art hair cross section showing hair bulb roots and scalp layers on dark blue background for trichology quiz

This quiz helps you learn which hair structure feeds the hair bulb and how the dermal papilla and matrix support growth. Use it to spot gaps before class or an exam, or as quick practice between clients. When you finish, practice more trichology or review hair shaft basics.

What structure is primarily responsible for supplying nutrients to the hair bulb?
Arrector pili muscle
Sebaceous gland
Dermal papilla
Hair cuticle
The dermal papilla is a cluster of specialized cells at the base of the hair follicle containing capillaries that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the rapidly dividing hair matrix cells. Without this blood supply, hair matrix cells cannot proliferate and form new hair. The dermal papilla also provides signaling molecules essential for hair growth and cycling. .
Where is the dermal papilla located in relation to the hair bulb?
Near the sebaceous gland
Just above the hair shaft
Within the stratum corneum
At the base of the hair follicle
The dermal papilla resides at the very base of the hair follicle, beneath the hair bulb. It is embedded in the hair bulb and interfaces directly with hair matrix cells. Its precise location is critical for nutrient and signal exchange during hair formation. .
Which cells in the hair bulb divide rapidly to form new hair?
Hair matrix cells
Melanocytes
Arrector pili cells
Sebocytes
Hair matrix cells are located just above the dermal papilla and undergo rapid mitosis to generate the hair shaft and inner root sheath. Melanocytes contribute pigment but do not divide to form hair structure. The ongoing division of matrix cells is what drives hair growth. Hair matrix cell function.
What is the role of blood vessels in the scalp related to hair growth?
Remove keratin waste from the hair shaft
Provide oxygen and nutrients to hair bulbs
Contract to erect the hair
Control sebum production
Blood vessels in the dermal papilla and surrounding dermis supply essential oxygen and nutrients required for hair matrix cell proliferation. Without adequate vascularization, hair bulbs cannot sustain active growth. This microcirculation is a key determinant of healthy hair follicles. .
Which phase of the hair cycle is characterized by active hair growth?
Catagen
Anagen
Exogen
Telogen
Anagen is the active growth phase during which hair matrix cells rapidly divide and the hair shaft elongates. Catagen is a short transition phase, telogen is a resting phase, and exogen is when the hair is shed. Proper nutrient supply via the dermal papilla is vital during anagen. .
What is the function of the sebaceous gland in relation to hair?
Lubricate hair and skin
Control hair matrix cell division
Anchor the hair follicle
Deliver nutrients to the hair bulb
Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that coats hair and skin to maintain moisture and provide a barrier. They are not involved in nutrient delivery to the hair bulb. Their main role is to keep hair flexible and protect against environmental damage. Sebaceous gland functions.
Which part of the hair follicle surrounds and protects the hair shaft?
Sebaceous gland
Arrector pili muscle
Dermal papilla
Inner root sheath
The inner root sheath envelops the hair shaft and guides it as it grows upward. It protects the hair shaft during formation and ensures correct alignment. The dermal papilla lies below and does not encase the shaft. .
The arrector pili muscle is attached to which hair structure?
Hair follicle sheath
Hair cuticle
Hair bulb
Dermal papilla
The arrector pili is a small smooth muscle that attaches to the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. Contraction of this muscle causes goosebumps and can help expel sebum. It does not attach directly to the dermal papilla or hair bulb. .
Which layer of skin houses the majority of hair follicles?
Dermis
Hypodermis
Stratum corneum
Epidermis
Hair follicles are anchored in the dermis, where they receive blood vessels and nerves. The epidermis covers the surface, while the hypodermis lies beneath, primarily composed of fat. Follicle structures rarely extend into the stratum corneum. .
What pigment-producing cells are located in the hair bulb?
Merkel cells
Melanocytes
Keratinocytes
Langerhans cells
Melanocytes in the hair bulb produce melanin, which is transferred to matrix cells and incorporated into the hair shaft, giving hair its color. Keratinocytes form the hair structure but do not synthesize pigment. .
Which component of blood carries oxygen to the hair bulb?
White blood cells
Plasma proteins
Red blood cells
Platelets
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which binds and transports oxygen throughout the body, including to the hair bulb via capillaries in the dermal papilla. White blood cells fight infection, platelets aid in clotting, and plasma proteins have various other functions. Blood components and functions.
Which substance is primarily produced by hair matrix cells?
Collagen
Elastin
Keratin
Hyaluronic acid
Hair matrix cells differentiate and produce keratin, the fibrous protein that forms the bulk of the hair shaft. Collagen and elastin are extracellular matrix proteins found in connective tissues, while hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan in skin. .
What is the function of the inner root sheath?
Attach the arrector pili muscle
Supply blood to the hair bulb
Guide the hair shaft upward
Produce melanin
The inner root sheath surrounds the growing hair shaft and directs its upward path to the skin surface. It disintegrates near the follicle opening, freeing the mature hair shaft. It does not have a vascular or pigment role. .
The outer root sheath is continuous with which layer of the skin?
Hypodermis
Dermis
Epidermis
Stratum lucidum
The outer root sheath is an extension of the epidermal basal layer down into the dermis, forming the external boundary of the hair follicle. It provides structural support and continuity with the skin surface. .
Which of the following structures is NOT part of the hair follicle?
Hair matrix
Sweat gland
Dermal papilla
Inner root sheath
Sweat glands are accessory skin structures but are separate from the hair follicle complex. The dermal papilla, hair matrix, and inner root sheath are integral to hair follicle anatomy. .
Which hair loss condition is associated with destruction of the hair follicle and blood supply to the bulb?
Pili torti
Cicatricial alopecia
Monilethrix
Hypotrichosis
Cicatricial alopecia, or scarring alopecia, involves inflammatory destruction of hair follicles and their associated vasculature, leading to permanent hair loss. Other conditions affect hair shaft structure or growth pattern but do not scar the follicle. .
Which signaling pathway is crucial for hair follicle development and involves the dermal papilla?
Wnt/?-catenin
Notch
TGF-?
JAK/STAT
Wnt/?-catenin signaling between the dermal papilla and hair matrix is essential for initiating and maintaining the anagen phase of hair growth. Disruption of this pathway impairs follicle development. .
During which phase of the hair cycle does the dermal papilla detach from the hair matrix?
Anagen
Exogen
Telogen
Catagen
In the catagen (regression) phase, the lower follicle involutes and the dermal papilla begins to separate from the hair matrix, leading to a temporary halt in growth. This prepares the follicle for the resting telogen phase. .
What role do fibroblasts in the dermal papilla play?
Secrete sebum
Form the hair cuticle
Contract to erect hair
Produce extracellular matrix and growth factors
Dermal papilla fibroblasts secrete extracellular matrix components like collagen and glycosaminoglycans, as well as growth factors such as FGF and IGF that regulate hair matrix cell proliferation and differentiation. They are key to follicle inductivity. .
Which enzyme in sebaceous glands influences the lipid composition of hair?
Protease
Lipase
Amylase
Lactase
Sebaceous gland lipases hydrolyze triglycerides into free fatty acids and other lipids that coat the hair shaft, affecting its texture and protective properties. Proteases target proteins, while amylase and lactase act on carbohydrates. .
Androgen receptors in the dermal papilla can influence hair growth. Which hormone binds most strongly to these receptors?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Estrogen
Cortisol
Testosterone
DHT has a higher affinity for androgen receptors in the dermal papilla than testosterone, and it can miniaturize hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia. Testosterone binds as well but less avidly. .
Which protein marker is commonly used to identify proliferating hair matrix cells?
CD31
Caspase-3
Ki-67
Bcl-2
Ki-67 is a nuclear protein present during all active phases of the cell cycle (G1, S, G2, and M) but absent in resting cells (G0), making it a reliable proliferation marker in hair matrix studies. Caspase-3 is an apoptosis marker, Bcl-2 an anti-apoptotic marker, and CD31 marks endothelial cells. .
What is the typical diameter range of capillaries within the dermal papilla?
5 - 10 micrometers
100 - 120 micrometers
50 - 60 micrometers
20 - 30 micrometers
Capillaries in the dermal papilla measure approximately 5 - 10 µm in diameter, allowing efficient exchange of gases and nutrients to support the hair bulb. Larger vessel calibers are found in deeper dermal layers. .
Which growth factor secreted by the dermal papilla is known to promote hair growth?
TNF-?
FGF7 (Keratinocyte growth factor)
TGF-?1
Interleukin-1
FGF7, also known as Keratinocyte Growth Factor, is secreted by dermal papilla cells and stimulates proliferation of hair matrix keratinocytes, thus supporting hair growth. TGF-?1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines often inhibit proliferation. .
Which molecule is essential for vasodilation in the scalp microcirculation feeding the hair bulb?
Prostaglandin F2?
Angiotensin II
Nitric oxide
Endothelin-1
Nitric oxide produced by endothelial cells causes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, increasing blood flow to the hair bulb. Endothelin-1 and angiotensin II are vasoconstrictors, while PGF2? has limited effect on microvascular dilation. .
Which sensory structures innervate near the hair follicle to detect touch?
Meissner's corpuscles
Merkel cells and nerve endings
Free nerve endings only
Pacinian corpuscles
Merkel cells in the basal epidermis near follicles and associated nerve endings detect fine touch and hair movement. Pacinian and Meissner's corpuscles are deeper or more superficial cutaneous mechanoreceptors. .
Laser Doppler flowmetry of the scalp measures which parameter relevant to hair bulb health?
Blood flow velocity
Follicle depth
Hair shaft thickness
Sebum production
Laser Doppler flowmetry noninvasively measures microvascular blood flow and velocity in the scalp, reflecting the nutrient supply to the hair bulb. It does not assess sebum, hair shaft, or follicle architecture. .
Which vitamin deficiency can impair collagen synthesis and potentially affect the hair bulb microenvironment?
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Vitamin C is a cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases in collagen synthesis, vital for the extracellular matrix around hair follicles. Deficiency leads to weakened connective tissue supporting dermal papilla vessels. Other vitamins have different roles in skin and hair. .
What histological marker is used to visualize endothelial cells of capillaries in the dermal papilla?
S100
Desmin
Cytokeratin 14
CD31
CD31 (PECAM-1) is a widely used immunohistochemical marker for endothelial cells lining capillaries, including those in the dermal papilla. Cytokeratin 14 marks keratinocytes, S100 marks neural crest derivatives, and desmin marks muscle cells. .
Which growth factor from melanocytes affects hair matrix pigmentation?
FGF2
VEGF
IL-6
Endothelin-1
Melanocyte-derived endothelin-1 stimulates paracrine signaling to hair matrix cells, increasing melanin production and incorporation into the hair shaft. VEGF primarily affects vasculature, FGF2 hair growth, and IL-6 inflammation. .
Which adhesion molecule helps anchor dermal papilla cells to the basement membrane of the follicle?
E-cadherin
VCAM-1
Integrin ?5?1
Selectin P
E-cadherin mediates homotypic cell - cell adhesion and is important for maintaining dermal papilla cell organization against the basement membrane. Integrins bind extracellular matrix, VCAM-1 is vascular adhesion, and selectins mediate leukocyte rolling. .
Which receptor tyrosine kinase on dermal papilla cells binds hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)?
c-Met
EGFR
VEGFR2
FGFR1
The c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase is the specific receptor for hepatocyte growth factor, and its activation on dermal papilla cells can promote hair follicle morphogenesis and growth. EGFR binds EGF, VEGFR2 binds VEGF, and FGFR1 binds FGFs. .
During catagen, which protease is known to degrade the follicular basement membrane?
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)
Trypsin
Elastase
Pepsin
MMP-9 is upregulated in the catagen phase and contributes to basement membrane remodeling and follicular regression. Elastase degrades elastin, while trypsin and pepsin are digestive proteases not involved in follicle involution. .
Which microRNA has been implicated in dermal papilla cell aging and reduced hair inductivity?
miR-21
miR-34a
miR-218-5p
miR-200c
Research shows increased miR-218-5p expression in aged dermal papilla cells correlates with loss of hair inductive capacity. Other miRNAs like miR-21 and miR-34a play roles in different aging processes but not specifically DP cell aging. .
Which transcription factor is critical for maintaining dermal papilla cell identity?
Sox2
Oct4
c-Myc
Nanog
Sox2 expression in dermal papilla cells is key to preserving their specialized phenotype and hair-inducing properties. Oct4 and Nanog are pluripotency factors in stem cells, and c-Myc is an oncogene not specific to DP identity. .
Which technique has been used to isolate pure populations of dermal papilla cells for in vitro studies?
Density gradient centrifugation of melanocytes
Laser capture microdissection
Magnetic bead separation of keratinocytes
Flow cytometry for CD34
Laser capture microdissection allows precise excision of dermal papilla tissue from follicles for culture. CD34-based sorting enriches bulge stem cells, not DP cells. The other methods target different cell types. .
Which cytokeratin is expressed in hair matrix cells but absent in dermal papilla cells?
CK14
CK18
CK19
CK8
Cytokeratin 14 is expressed in proliferative keratinocytes of the hair matrix but not in dermal papilla fibroblasts. CK8, CK18, and CK19 are more common in simple epithelia or other skin compartments. .
What is the function of Noggin secreted by dermal papilla cells?
Inhibit VEGF production
Stimulate NF-?B pathway
Activate TGF-? signaling
Inhibit BMP signaling to promote anagen
Noggin binds BMPs, preventing them from activating their receptors and thus promoting the proliferation phase (anagen) of the hair cycle. It does not directly affect TGF-?, NF-?B, or VEGF. .
Which integrin subunit is prominently expressed at the interface between dermal papilla and hair matrix?
Integrin ?6
Integrin ?3
Integrin ?2
Integrin ?1
Integrin ?6 helps anchor keratinocytes to basement membranes at the DP-matrix boundary, facilitating cell - matrix interactions critical for hair induction. The other subunits have different tissue distributions. .
What effect does hypoxia have on dermal papilla cells in vitro?
Induces apoptosis
Decreases collagen production
Increases VEGF secretion
Reduces cell proliferation
Hypoxic culture conditions upregulate VEGF secretion in dermal papilla cells, promoting angiogenesis. While extreme hypoxia can trigger apoptosis, moderate hypoxia mainly stimulates angiogenic factor release. Hypoxia and DP cell function.
Which electromechanical property of the dermal papilla has been studied for its role in hair cycle regulation?
Thermal conductivity
Magnetoresistance
Optical birefringence
Piezoelectric potential
Piezoelectric properties of dermal papilla extracellular matrix components can influence cell signaling under mechanical stress, potentially affecting hair growth cycles. The other properties are not directly linked to follicle regulation. .
Exosomes derived from dermal papilla cells carry which molecule implicated in promoting follicle growth?
miR-125b
miR-22
miR-155
miR-200b
Dermal papilla - derived exosomes enriched in miR-22 have been shown to transfer pro-growth signals to hair matrix cells. Other microRNAs regulate immune responses or differentiation but not specifically follicle growth. .
Which in vitro assay is considered the gold standard for testing dermal papilla cell hair inductivity?
Scratch wound assay
Flow cytometry for CD34
Hair reconstitution assay
MTT proliferation assay
The hair reconstitution assay combines DP cells with keratinocytes in vivo or in vitro to assess the ability to form new hair follicles, serving as the functional test of inductivity. Scratch wound and MTT assays measure migration and viability, respectively. .
The extracellular matrix of the dermal papilla is particularly rich in which glycosaminoglycan?
Hyaluronic acid
Dermatan sulfate
Heparan sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate
Hyaluronic acid is abundant in the dermal papilla ECM, providing hydration, space-filling, and signaling functions that support hair matrix cells. Other GAGs are present but in lower concentrations. .
In Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of dermal papilla tissue, which peak corresponds to proteoglycan content?
2850 cm?¹
1050 cm?¹
3300 cm?¹
1650 cm?¹
The 1050 cm?¹ band in FTIR spectra is characteristic of C - O - C and C - O stretching vibrations in glycosaminoglycans/proteoglycans. The other peaks correspond to amide, hydroxyl, or lipid vibrations. .
What role does platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGF-A) from dermal papilla cells play in the follicle?
Activate macrophages
Inhibit melanocyte function
Stimulate keratinocyte proliferation
Induce apoptosis in matrix cells
PDGF-A secreted by dermal papilla cells acts on nearby hair matrix keratinocytes to promote their proliferation and support anagen. It does not target melanocytes, macrophages, or induce apoptosis in the follicle. .
Which transcriptional co-activator in dermal papilla cells regulates Wnt target gene expression?
YAP
SMAD4
p300
?-catenin
?-catenin translocates to the nucleus upon Wnt signaling and partners with TCF/LEF to activate Wnt-responsive genes critical for hair growth. YAP, SMAD4, and p300 serve other transcriptional roles. .
Which long non-coding RNA has been identified in human dermal papilla cells as influencing hair follicle induction?
MALAT1
NEAT1
HOTAIR
LINC00924
LINC00924 expression is enriched in dermal papilla cells and has been shown to modulate gene networks involved in follicle induction. Other well-known lncRNAs like MALAT1 and HOTAIR have different tissue roles. .
CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of which gene in dermal papilla cells significantly reduces their hair-inducing ability?
p53
Sox9
Lef1
Oct4
LEF1 is a transcription factor downstream of Wnt/?-catenin; its removal in DP cells disrupts Wnt target activation and impairs hair follicle induction. Sox9 is involved in bulge stem cells, and Oct4/p53 have other roles. .
Which small-molecule inhibitor targeting BMP signaling has been used experimentally to prolong the anagen phase?
PD98059
Gefitinib
SB431542
Dorsomorphin
Dorsomorphin inhibits BMP type I receptors, reducing BMP signaling which normally promotes catagen entry, thus extending anagen. PD98059 targets MAPK, Gefitinib EGFR, and SB431542 TGF-? receptors. .
Single-cell RNA sequencing of human hair follicles has identified a dermal papilla cluster expressing which marker highly?
CD34
ALPL (alkaline phosphatase)
ITGB1
KRT15
ALPL is a well-established marker of dermal papilla cells and shows high expression in DP clusters in scRNA-seq studies, distinguishing them from neighboring cell types. CD34 marks bulge stem cells. .
Which advanced imaging modality can visualize dermal papilla ultrastructure in vivo?
Electron microscopy
Optical coherence tomography
Multiphoton microscopy
Confocal reflectance microscopy
Multiphoton microscopy allows deep tissue imaging of live skin with subcellular resolution, revealing dermal papilla structure in situ. Electron microscopy requires fixed tissue, confocal reflectance has limited depth, and OCT provides lower resolution. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Nourishing Hair Structures -

    Pinpoint which hair structure supplies nourishment to the hair bulb by examining key follicle components revealed in the quiz.

  2. Explain Hair Bulb Nutrition -

    Articulate how nutrient exchange at the dermal papilla supports hair bulb nutrition and influences healthy hair growth.

  3. Analyze Scalp Anatomy Quiz Findings -

    Interpret scalp anatomy quiz results to map out each layer's role in delivering nutrients to the hair follicle.

  4. Apply Trichology Quiz Insights -

    Utilize knowledge gained from the trichology quiz to inform effective hair care strategies and treatments.

  5. Evaluate Hair Structure Quiz Performance -

    Assess your understanding of hair structure quiz concepts to identify strengths and areas for further study in trichology.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Dermal Papilla: The Primary Nourisher -

    Often asked in a trichology quiz, the dermal papilla is the hair structure that supplies nourishment to the hair bulb via an extensive capillary network. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, its blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients directly to germinal matrix cells. Remember the mnemonic "DP = Direct Provider" to ace any hair structure quiz question!

  2. Capillary Network & Microcirculation -

    The scalp's dense capillary bed around the follicle underpins hair bulb nutrition by regulating blood flow - Poiseuille's law (Q ∝ r❴) highlights how small vessel diameter changes hugely impact nutrient delivery. University research shows that enhanced microcirculation techniques can boost hair growth phases. Visualize 'r to the fourth power' to recall how crucial vascular health is for which hair structure supplies nourishment to the hair bulb.

  3. Germinal Matrix Cell Proliferation -

    The germinal matrix inside the bulb relies on dermal papilla nutrients to fuel rapid cell division, producing the hair shaft and inner root sheath (International Journal of Trichology). A solid grasp of this link is key for the scalp anatomy quiz, as these cells define hair growth rates. Think "Matrix = Make More" when reviewing hair bulb nutrition concepts.

  4. Sebaceous Glands vs. Vascular Supply -

    While sebaceous glands secrete sebum for scalp lubrication, they don't feed the hair bulb - this common trichology quiz pitfall highlights the difference between nourishment and protection. Official sources like the Journal of Dermatological Science clarify that sebum maintains the hair shaft, whereas the dermal papilla's capillaries handle true hair bulb nutrition. Use the phrase "sebum for sheen, papilla for protein" to lock in this distinction.

  5. External Factors Affecting Hair Nutrition -

    Hormonal shifts, nutrient deficiencies, and certain medications can alter scalp blood flow and impede the structure that supplies nourishment to the hair bulb (National Institutes of Health studies). Regularly testing yourself with a hair structure quiz ensures you stay sharp on how lifestyle impacts hair bulb nutrition and overall scalp anatomy. A quick self-quiz - "Which factor slows Q in Poiseuille's law?" - boosts retention and confidence.

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