Electrolysis Practice Exam

Lanugo hairs initiate their growth in which area?

1. In the dermis

2. In the lobe of the sebaceous gland

3. At the hair shaft

4. Within the epidermis

The correct answer is: In the lobe of the sebaceous gland

Lanugo hairs, which are fine, soft hairs that typically cover the bodies of fetuses and are often shed before birth, primarily initiate their growth in association with hair follicles that are embedded in the dermis layer of the skin. The correct answer is that these hairs develop from structures located deeper within the skin rather than from the epidermis or in any specific external gland. The sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing oil to condition the skin and hair, are connected to hair follicles. While these glands do not directly initiate hair growth, they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and appearance of hair, including lanugo. The actual growth of hair begins in the hair bulb at the base of the hair follicle, situated in the dermis. In contrast, the other options indicate either the wrong anatomical site (the epidermis) or focus on the lobe of the sebaceous gland, which does not directly govern hair growth initiation. Therefore, while the sebaceous gland is important for hair maintenance, hair growth is driven by the follicles located in the dermis. This anatomical understanding emphasizes the importance of the dermis as the true site for hair follicle development.