Which layer contains most of the hair's pigment and strength?

Which layer contains most of the hair's pigment and strength?

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

Answer: (A)

The cortex is where most of the hair’s pigment and strength reside. This middle layer is packed with keratin-filled cells that give hair its tensile strength and elasticity, and it houses the melanin pigment produced by melanocytes, which determines hair color. The amount and type of melanin in the cortex set the shade from blond to black. The medulla, when present, is a loosely organized core and may contain some pigment, but it isn’t the main contributor to color or strength. The cuticle sits on the outside as protective scales and mainly shields the cortex rather than adding pigment or strength. The dermis is the skin layer beneath the hair follicle, not part of the hair shaft itself.

The cortex is where most of the hair’s pigment and strength reside. This middle layer is packed with keratin-filled cells that give hair its tensile strength and elasticity, and it houses the melanin pigment produced by melanocytes, which determines hair color. The amount and type of melanin in the cortex set the shade from blond to black. The medulla, when present, is a loosely organized core and may contain some pigment, but it isn’t the main contributor to color or strength. The cuticle sits on the outside as protective scales and mainly shields the cortex rather than adding pigment or strength. The dermis is the skin layer beneath the hair follicle, not part of the hair shaft itself.