HAIR BASICS
What is the primary purpose of hair in mammals?
To regulate body temperature
The outermost layer of the hair shaft is called the:
a) Cortex
b) Medulla
c) Follicle
d) Cuticle
d) Cuticle
Redheads tend to have the MOST hairs on their head compared to blondes and brunettes. (True/False)
False (they have the least)
Hair without follicle cells attached is considered:
a) Individual evidence
b) Class evidence
c) Direct evidence
d) No evidence
b) Class evidence
EXPLAIN WHY FOR BONUS
The hair follicle contains blood vessels that provide nutrients to the hair. (True/False)
TRUE
Approximately how many hairs does the average human have on their body?
a) 25,000
b) 250,000
c) 2,500,000
b) 250,000
Look at the hair diagram....
What part of the diagram is labeled #5?
Arrector Muscle
Which hair color tends to have more hair follicles overall?
a) Redheads
b) Blondes
c) Brunettes
b) Blondes
What part of the hair contains DNA?
Follicle
Tape lifts are a method used to collect hair evidence. (True/False)
TRUE
List three functions of hair besides regulating body temperature.
Decrease friction
protect against sunlight
sensory input
camouflage
The medulla is the largest part of the hair shaft. (True/False)
False (Cortex is the largest part)
What pigment is responsible for red hair color?
a) Pheomelanin
b) Melatonin
c) Eumelanin
d) Keratin
a) Pheomelanin
Hair can be used to identify a specific individual even without the follicle attached. (True/False)
False
EXPLAIN WHY
Name two ways hair evidence can be collected at a crime scene.
1. Fingers/tweezers to collect visible hairs
2. Tape lifts
What sensory function does hair serve on humans? (name one)
Detecting touch
Pressure
Temperature changes through nerve endings in the follicle.
Look at the hair diagram....
What part of the diagram is labeled #7?
Sebaceous Gland
Which pigment is responsible for brown or black hair color?
a) Pheomelanin
b) Melatonin
c) Eumelanin
d) Keratin
c) Eumelanin
What type of evidence requires a follicle to link hair to a specific individual?
Individual evidence
What information can chemical testing of hair provide in a forensic investigation (state 2)?
History of toxins
drug use
nutritional deficiencies
Describe the two main parts of hair and their roles.
1. Follicle
Role: anchors hair in the skin and produces it
2.Shaft
Role: the visible part above the skin
Explain why hair is considered class evidence in forensic investigations.
Because without follicle cells, hair cannot be linked to a specific individual, only a group
How should hair evidence be collected and stored at a crime scene?
Collect all visible hairs with fingers or tweezers
Place in paper bindles
Seal in envelopes and label properly