Forensic Science: Trace Evidence Hair & Fiber Vocab Review

Front

Cross Section

Back

Cutting of hair which allows the shape and structures to become more distinctive and gives greater detail.

Front

Trace Evidence

Back

Small but measurable amount of physical or biological material.

Front

Somatic Origin

Back

Body area a hair comes from.

Front

Cuticle

Back

Transparent layer of the hair shaft which shields the inner layers.

Front

Fibers

Back

Threadlike elements from fabric or other materials, such as rope or carpet.

Front

Medullary Index

Back

A measurement used to compare the diameter of the medulla to the diameter of the hair shaft.

Front

Cortex

Back

The thickest layer of the hair shaft, containing the pigment that gives hair its color.

Front

Telogen

Back

The resting phase of the hair growth cycle, where hair is shed.

Front

Catagen

Back

The transitional phase of the hair growth cycle, where growth slows and the hair follicle shrinks.

Front

Birefringence

Back

The optical property of a material that causes it to refract light in two different directions.