What Are Hair Follicles?
Hair follicles are the tiny holes located all over the human body where hair grows. Hair grows on all mammals, and it starts in the tiny follicle. Even whales have follicles, although the hair is not as prominent as in dogs or cats.
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Structure
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A hair follicle is a long tube that extends from the dermis to the surface of the skin. The hair follicle contains a growing strand of hair. It also has a sebaceous gland and sweat gland in its structure.
Function
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The hair follicle is an extension of the skin. Its main function is to grow hair. Wherever a hair is growing, a hair follicle is present in the skin. The hair follicle's main function is to provide hair, which is a component of heat insulation for the individual.
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Muscle
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The hair follicle has a muscle surrounding it. The muscle contracts and makes the hair erect. This phenomenon is often referred as goosebumps. The muscle also contracts in the cold to provide more insulation and heat.
Sebaceous Glands
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Sebaceous glands are located just outside the hair follicle. The sebaceous glands provide oil for the hair as it grows. These glands are also a location for infection in the skin that can present symptoms known as acne.
Considerations
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The rate at which a hair follicle grows hair is dependent on age, gender, nutrition and environment. Men are susceptible to a loss of hair follicle function, leading to baldness and thinning of hair. Some women are also susceptible to hair loss, although it is rarer.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Meena Kadri
