Forensic Science: Hair and Microscopy

Front

Comparison microscope

Back

A compound microscope that allows side-by-side comparison of samples, such as hair or fibers.

Front

Medulla

Back

The central core of a hair fiber.

Front

Shaft

Back

The part of the hair not anchored to the follicle, much of which is exposed at the skin's surface.

Front

Gas chromatography

Back

A technique used to separate the chemical components of a sample.

Front

Hair follicle

Back

The actively growing root or base of the hair containing DNA and living cells.

Front

Cuticle

Back

The tough outer covering of hair composed of overlapping scales.

Front

Keratin

Back

A type of fibrous protein that makes up the majority of the cortex of a hair.

Front

Cortex

Back

The region of hair located outside the medulla containing granules of pigment.

Front

Melanin granules

Back

Bits of pigment found in the cortex of a hair.

Front

Mitochondrial DNA

Back

DNA located in mitochondria; contains only maternal DNA information.