Forensics: Human Hair Review

Front

What is the medulla in human hair?

Back

The medulla is the innermost layer of the hair shaft, which can vary in appearance and is used in forensic analysis to help identify hair samples.

Front

What type of evidence is hair classified as?

Back

Hair is classified as class evidence, meaning it can narrow down a suspect pool but cannot uniquely identify an individual.

Front

What are the different types of medulla patterns in hair?

Back

The types of medulla patterns include continuous, fragmented, stacked, and interrupted.

Front

What is the cuticle in human hair?

Back

The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, consisting of overlapping scales that protect the inner layers.

Front

Approximately how many hair follicles are on a human head?

Back

There are approximately 100,000 hair follicles on a human head.

Front

What is the significance of hair in forensic science?

Back

Hair can provide valuable information about a person's identity, lifestyle, and even the environment they were in.

Front

What is the structure of human hair?

Back

Human hair is composed of three main layers: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla.

Front

How can hair be used to determine a person's ancestry?

Back

The characteristics of hair, such as color, texture, and medulla pattern, can provide clues about a person's ancestry.

Front

What is the difference between class and individual evidence?

Back

Class evidence can link a sample to a group, while individual evidence can uniquely identify a specific source.

Front

What factors can affect the growth of human hair?

Back

Factors include genetics, health, nutrition, and environmental conditions.