In hair structure, the exterior protective layer is the

• A. Medulla
• B. Cortex
• C. Cuticle
• D. Follicle

Answer: (C)

The outermost layer of the hair shaft is the cuticle. This protective covering is made up of overlapping, scale-like cells that form a tough shield around the inner layers. When the cuticle lies flat and intact, the hair surface is smooth, reflects light, and resists damage. If the cuticle is damaged or raised, the hair can look rough, feel dull, and be more prone to breakage. The medulla sits at the center and isn’t always present; the cortex is the thick middle layer that provides strength and color; the follicle is the hair root embedded in the skin, not part of the shaft’s exterior. So the exterior protective layer is the cuticle.