The hair papilla is a small, finger-like structure that is located at the bottom of the hair bulb. It is made up of connective tissue and contains blood vessels and nerve endings. The dermal papilla provides the hair bulb with nutrients and oxygen, which are essential for the growth of the hair.
The hair papilla is a small, cone-shaped elevation located at the base of the hair follicle, fitting into the hair bulb. It is composed of connective tissue, blood vessels, and various specialized cells that provide the necessary nourishment for hair growth. The main functions of the hair papilla include:
- Nutrient supply: The hair papilla contains a network of blood vessels, known as capillaries, which supply oxygen and essential nutrients to the hair follicle. These nutrients are vital for promoting hair growth and maintaining the health of the hair strand.
- Hair growth regulation: The hair papilla contains various specialized cells, including fibroblasts and dermal sheath cells, which play an essential role in regulating the hair growth cycle. These cells release signaling molecules that influence the activity of the matrix cells in the hair bulb, controlling the rate of hair growth and the transition between the different phases of the hair growth cycle.
- Interaction with surrounding structures: The hair papilla interacts with surrounding structures in the hair follicle, such as the outer root sheath and the matrix cells. These interactions help maintain the structural integrity of the hair follicle and influence the hair strand’s shape and size.