American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which layer of hair gives it its characteristic color?

1. Medulla

2. Cortex

3. Cuticle

4. Shaft

The correct answer is: Medulla

The layer of hair that gives it its characteristic color is the cortex. The cortex is the thickest layer of hair, located beneath the cuticle, and contains the pigment melanin, which determines the color of the hair. The amount and type of melanin produced in the cortex contribute to various shades, such as blonde, brown, black, or red hair. The medulla, while it may be present in some types of hair, does not play a significant role in hair color and is often absent in finer hair. The cuticle is the outermost layer that protects the hair but does not contribute to its color. The shaft is a general term that refers to the visible part of the hair but does not specify the layer responsible for color. Therefore, the cortex is the correct choice when identifying the layer responsible for the characteristic color of hair.