Hair (also known as Hairs, Lanugo): A filament-like structure consisting of a shaft which projects to the surface of the SKIN from a root which is softer than the shaft and lodges in the cavity of a HAIR FOLLICLE. It is found on most surfaces of the body.

NIH MeSH · D006197Anatomy

Hair

Also known asHairs · Lanugo · Fetal Hair · Fetal Hairs · Hairs, Fetal · Hair, Fetal

Definition

A filament-like structure consisting of a shaft which projects to the surface of the SKIN from a root which is softer than the shaft and lodges in the cavity of a HAIR FOLLICLE. It is found on most surfaces of the body.

MeSH classification

  • A17.360

Need clinical context, treatments, or patient-language explanation?

Ask GoDavaii AI about Hair

Related concepts

Acellular Dermis

Remaining tissue from normal DERMIS tissue after the cells are removed.

Animal Fur

Usually densely-packed hairs on the skin of MAMMALS.

Animal Scales

Tough, horny, brittle, smooth, striated or plate-like extensions of the stratum corneum or outer layer of the skin. It serves as a protectiv…

Apocrine Glands

Large, branched, specialized sweat glands that empty into the upper portion of a HAIR FOLLICLE instead of directly onto the SKIN.

Common questions about Hair

What does Hair mean in medicine?
A filament-like structure consisting of a shaft which projects to the surface of the SKIN from a root which is softer than the shaft and lodges in the cavity of a HAIR FOLLICLE. It is found on most surfaces of the body. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Hair known by any other names?
Yes. Hair is also referred to as Hairs, Lanugo, Fetal Hair, Fetal Hairs in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Hair sit in the medical classification?
Hair falls under the broader medical category "Anatomy" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: A17.360). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Hair?
For a plain-language explanation of Hair - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Hair" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D006197) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗