What is the function of the cuticle layer?

What is the function of the cuticle layer?

• A. To provide strength and flexibility
• B. To produce melanin
• C. To protect the cortex and control moisture absorption
• D. To anchor the hair in the follicle

Answer: (C)

The cuticle is the hair’s outer protective layer, made of overlapping, scale-like cells that shield the inner structures. Its primary job is to protect the cortex—the inner, strength-bearing part of the hair—and to regulate moisture moving in and out of the hair. When the cuticle lies flat, the surface is smooth, shiny, and less permeable, helping the hair hold moisture and resist damage. If the cuticle is damaged or raised, moisture and chemicals can penetrate more easily, leading to swelling, frizz, color fading, and increased breakage. That’s why the function described as protecting the cortex and controlling moisture absorption is the best fit. Strength and flexibility come mainly from the cortex; melanin production happens in pigment cells within the hair follicle/cortex region, not the cuticle; and anchoring the hair in the follicle involves structures at the base of the hair, not the cuticle.

The cuticle is the hair’s outer protective layer, made of overlapping, scale-like cells that shield the inner structures. Its primary job is to protect the cortex—the inner, strength-bearing part of the hair—and to regulate moisture moving in and out of the hair. When the cuticle lies flat, the surface is smooth, shiny, and less permeable, helping the hair hold moisture and resist damage. If the cuticle is damaged or raised, moisture and chemicals can penetrate more easily, leading to swelling, frizz, color fading, and increased breakage.

That’s why the function described as protecting the cortex and controlling moisture absorption is the best fit. Strength and flexibility come mainly from the cortex; melanin production happens in pigment cells within the hair follicle/cortex region, not the cuticle; and anchoring the hair in the follicle involves structures at the base of the hair, not the cuticle.