American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What do hair follicles contain?

1. Skin cells

2. Root of hair fibers

3. Nail pigments

4. Secretion glands

The correct answer is: Root of hair fibers

The correct answer is that hair follicles contain the root of hair fibers. Hair follicles are specialized structures within the skin that anchor each individual hair. The root is the part of the hair that is embedded in the follicle and is responsible for hair growth. This area is where the cells divide and produce the hair shaft, which extends above the surface of the skin. Understanding the anatomy of hair follicles is essential because the health of the hair and scalp is influenced by factors affecting the follicle itself, including blood supply, nutrition, and hormonal changes. The root of the hair fibers is surrounded by various supporting structures, such as connective tissues and blood vessels, which play critical roles in sustaining hair growth. In contrast, while skin cells may be present in the surrounding areas, they are not contained within the hair follicle itself. Nail pigments relate to the composition of nails and do not have any association with hair follicles. Secretion glands, such as sebaceous glands, are adjacent to hair follicles but are not contained within them; they secrete oil to help lubricate the hair and protect the skin but do not form part of the follicle structure. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the unique role of hair follicles in the hair growth process.