“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your long scalp hair
a . vellus . guard
b . terminal
c. lanugo
d . angora
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. terminal.
Rapunzel’s long hair in the fairy tale would be classified as terminal hair, which is a type of hair that grows on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body after puberty. Terminal hair is thicker, longer, and more pigmented than other types of body hair.
In human hair growth, there are four main types:
- Lanugo: This is fine, soft hair that covers a fetus in the womb. It usually disappears before birth or shortly after.
- Vellus: Vellus hair is fine and short hair that covers most of the body. It is commonly referred to as “peach fuzz” and is lighter in color. It is present at birth and remains in place for much of one’s life, except in areas where terminal hair grows.
- Angora: This term refers to hair that continues to grow throughout a person’s life, like the hair on the scalp. Rapunzel’s hair could be considered angora in the sense that it grows long and does not stop growing. However, in terms of human biology, angora is not typically used as a specific category for human hair types.
- Terminal: Terminal hair is the thick, long, and pigmented hair that grows in areas like the scalp, face (beard and mustache), armpits, and pubic regions. Unlike vellus hair, which is fine and short, terminal hair is more prominent and noticeable. It is the type of hair that Rapunzel would have had on her head, which could be why she was able to let it down from the tower in the story.
In summary, terminal hair is the appropriate classification for Rapunzel’s long, flowing hair. It represents the fully developed hair on an adult’s body and is what would be expected for someone of Rapunzel’s age in the fairy tale.