Exogen
Definition
Release or shedding of a retained hair, distinct from the resting phase itself. Hair formation, retention and shedding involve different structures and processes. Document orientation and recovered end condition where these affect examination.
- Context
- Hair biology
For example, a retained resting hair can later be released, so shedding should not be treated as identical to the resting phase itself.
A proximal end is not automatically a viable root or proof of forceful removal. Morphology, keratinisation and DNA recovery require separate assessment.
Related terms
- Anagen
- Anagen is the active growth phase of a hair follicle, during which cells produce the growing hair. A recovered hair’s root condition...
- Cortex
- Middle, thickest hair layer of spindle-shaped cortical cells. Holds pigment granules, cortical fusi (air spaces) and ovoid bodies. Source of colour, texture...
- Cuticle
- The waxy, polymer layer covering the outer surface of leaf epidermal cells. It protects against water loss and herbivory but, forensically, it...
- Medulla
- The medulla is the central region that may be visible within a hair shaft, with appearance that can be continuous, interrupted, fragmented...