Dermatol. praxi. 2012;6(3):118-122

Introduction to clinical trichology

MUDr.Renata Kučerová, Ph.D., MUDr.Martina Bienová, Ph.D.

Klinika chorob kožních a pohlavních, FNOL a LF UP Olomouc

The fundamentals of hair follicles are formed as early as the embryonic period and a precise interaction between the epidermis and the

dermis is essential for their development. The hair is a part of the pilosebaceous unit. It is composed of epithelial and dermal components.

An important part of the follicle is the dermal papilla and an area of occurrence of multipotent stem cells in the external epithelial

sheath (referred to as "bulge" in the murine follicle). The structure of a follicle varies depending on the hair cycle that consists of an

active growth phase (anagen), a short transition phase (catagen), and a rest phase (telogen). Under normal circumstances, the hair cycle

is asynchronous in humans. Hair growth regulation is very complex and, in addition to growth factors, adhesion molecules, cytokines,

and other substances, hormones are significantly involved here, particularly androgens that play a major role in the most common type

of hair thinning, i. e. androgenetic alopecia. Hair loss of any etiology can be a source of serious mental problems.

Keywords: pilosebaceous unit, hair follicle, anagen, catagen, telogen, hair loss, androgenetic alopecia

Published: November 1, 2012  Show citation