American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What is the function of the hair papilla?

1. To produce hair color

2. To supply blood to hair roots

3. To facilitate hair growth

4. To repair hair shafts

The correct answer is: To supply blood to hair roots

The hair papilla plays a crucial role in the health and growth of hair follicles. Specifically, it is located at the base of the hair follicle and is comprised of connective tissue with a rich supply of blood vessels. This blood supply is vital because it provides essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair roots, which in turn supports their growth and vitality. While the other options address different aspects of hair and its characteristics, they do not accurately reflect the primary role of the hair papilla. For instance, hair pigmentation occurs due to the activity of melanocytes, not the hair papilla. Hair growth is a process influenced by several factors, including hormonal and genetic influences, but it is the nourishment from the blood supplied by the papilla that is most critical. Repairs to hair shafts pertain more to external treatments and the health of individual strands rather than the function of the papilla itself. Thus, the blood supply facilitated by the hair papilla is essential for sustaining healthy hair growth.