The medulla of the hair is also known as the

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

Answer: (A)

The medulla is the innermost portion of the hair shaft, acting as its central core. Because of its central position, it’s commonly referred to as the core of the hair. The surrounding layer, the cortex, provides most of the hair’s strength and pigment, while the outermost protective layer is the cuticle. The follicle is the hair’s root structure located in the skin, not part of the hair shaft itself. Some hairs may lack a medulla, especially very fine hair, but when present it serves as the central core.