Colorado Cosmetology Written Practice Exam

What is a papilla?

1. A layer of the hair shaft

2. Connective tissue extending into and nourishing the hair root

3. The outermost layer of the skin

4. A muscle that raises the hair

The correct answer is: Connective tissue extending into and nourishing the hair root

The correct answer identifies the papilla as the connective tissue that extends into and nourishes the hair root. The hair papilla is a critical structure located at the base of the hair follicle and is composed of a small, cup-like structure that contains blood vessels and nerve endings. These blood vessels supply essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair, promoting healthy growth. The papilla plays a key role in the hair growth cycle and overall hair health. The other choices do not accurately describe the papilla. For example, the layer of the hair shaft and the outermost layer of the skin refer to different structures within the anatomy of hair and skin, while the muscle that raises the hair relates to the arrector pili muscle, which is responsible for creating goosebumps and is not directly associated with the nourishing functions attributed to the papilla. This understanding helps clarify the significance of the papilla in the broader context of hair biology.