The end of the hair that is nearest the root end is known as
The correct answer and explanation is:
The end of the hair that is nearest the root end is known as the proximal end or hair bulb.
The hair structure consists of multiple components, and the region nearest to the root end is the hair bulb. The hair bulb is located at the base of the hair follicle and is responsible for the growth and formation of hair. It contains living cells that divide and differentiate to form the hair shaft, which extends through the follicle and out of the skin. The bulb is essential for hair growth because it houses the hair matrix, which includes the proliferating cells that generate the new hair.
The hair bulb sits within the dermal papilla, a tissue that supplies nutrients and signals for hair growth. As cells in the matrix divide and move upward, they keratinize and form the hardened, non-living part of the hair that makes up the visible strand.
The root of the hair extends from the bulb down into the hair follicle. The follicle itself is a tube-like structure in the skin that encases the hair root. The root end is where hair growth is most active. Blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients to the growing cells in the matrix, while the sebaceous glands, located near the follicle, produce sebum to lubricate the hair and skin.
The hair follicle also contains structures like the arrector pili muscle, which is responsible for causing hair to stand on end when stimulated (a reflex known as “goosebumps”). The overall health and functionality of the hair bulb are crucial for proper hair growth and regeneration.