The medulla is best described as?

The medulla is best described as?

• A. The innermost layer of the hair strand, which may be absent in some hair types
• B. The outer protective layer that controls moisture
• C. The layer that contains most of the pigment
• D. The layer responsible for elasticity

Answer: (A)

Understanding hair shaft anatomy is the main idea here. The medulla is the innermost layer of the hair strand and runs through the center. Its presence can vary: in thicker or coarser hair it may be continuous, while in finer hair it’s often absent or fragmented. It does not control moisture—that role belongs to the outer protective layer, the cuticle. It’s not where pigment is stored (color comes from the cortex, which also largely governs strength and elasticity). Because some hair types lack a medulla entirely, the most accurate description is that the medulla is the innermost layer of the hair strand and may be absent in some hair types.

Understanding hair shaft anatomy is the main idea here. The medulla is the innermost layer of the hair strand and runs through the center. Its presence can vary: in thicker or coarser hair it may be continuous, while in finer hair it’s often absent or fragmented. It does not control moisture—that role belongs to the outer protective layer, the cuticle. It’s not where pigment is stored (color comes from the cortex, which also largely governs strength and elasticity). Because some hair types lack a medulla entirely, the most accurate description is that the medulla is the innermost layer of the hair strand and may be absent in some hair types.