American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which of the following are structures of hair?

1. Follicle and bulb

2. Follicle and shaft

3. Shaft and root

4. Root and bulb

The correct answer is: Follicle and shaft

The structures associated with hair can be categorized into several key components, each playing a crucial role in hair growth and anatomy. The correct identification of structures is important for understanding hair biology and related medical coding. Focusing on the correct answer, the follicle and shaft represent two vital components of hair. The follicle is the embedded part of the hair in the skin, responsible for growth and containing cells that produce the hair. It is crucial for understanding the cycle of hair growth, which includes the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. Meanwhile, the shaft refers to the visible part of the hair that extends above the skin's surface. It is composed mainly of keratin, a structural protein. This option combines these two structures, highlighting their distinct but complementary roles in the hair cycle and overall hair anatomy. The interplay between the follicle and shaft is essential for normal hair functioning, including its appearance and loss. The other choices incorporate components that may not coexist as clearly defined structures relative to each other. For instance, while the root and bulb are indeed parts of the hair structure, the term “root” often refers to the deeper portion of the hair embedded in the follicle, while “bulb” specifically denotes the rounded part at