Hair and Fiber Flashcard Review

Front

Why are fibers considered an excellent source of trace evidence?

Back

Fibers are easily transferred from victim to suspect, often overlooked by a suspect, and can be easily collected and stored.

Front

Is the shaft of the hair considered class evidence in a trial?

Back

True

Front

What are two methods of determining different fiber types?

Back

Chemical testing and burning.

Front

What type of cuticle scale is represented by the letter A in the picture?

Back

Coronal.

Front

What are the three main components of the hair shaft?

Back

Cuticle, cortex, and medulla.

Front

What is the function of the cuticle in hair?

Back

The cuticle protects the inner layers of the hair shaft and contributes to its strength.

Front

What is the cortex of the hair?

Back

The cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft that contains the pigment and provides strength.

Front

What is the medulla in hair structure?

Back

The medulla is the innermost layer of the hair shaft, which may be absent in some hair types.

Front

What is the significance of mitochondrial DNA in hair analysis?

Back

Mitochondrial DNA can be used to trace maternal lineage and is useful in identifying hair samples.

Front

What is the difference between natural and synthetic fibers?

Back

Natural fibers are derived from plants or animals, while synthetic fibers are man-made from chemical processes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3