Morphology of Mammalian Hair

Abstract

DURING a recent histological examination of keratin fibres, transverse sections were made through proximal, medial and distal portions of mammalian guard-hairs. The results obtained support earlier views upon the nature of hair growth^1,2. Sections through proximal regions clearly demonstrated the alteration in fibre contour which follows upon changes in the hair follicle during the catagen phase. As atrophy of the hair root occurs, corresponding fibre shrinkage gives a characteristic irregular contour to the proximal region of the hair shaft. The accompanying reproduction illustrates the results obtained for guard-hairs from silver fox (Canis vulpes fulva) and kolinsky (Mustela sibirica).