The hair

Organ system: Integumentary system

Locations

• Scalp
• Eyebrows
• Eyelids 
• Upper lip
• Lower lip
• Chin
• Jaw
• Neck
• Upper chest
• Abdomen
• Back
• Dorsal side of the hands
• Dorsal side of the arms
• Legs
• Dorsal side of the feet
• Anogenital region

In women and children, hair is usually shorter, finer, and lighter. It can be difficult to see or feel these hairs. In adult males, hair is usually longer, thicker, and darker.

 

Functions

• Hair traps warm air near the skin, to act a temperature buffer between the body and the external enviroment. 
• Hair has a cosmetic function. Healthy hair indicates health to other people.
• Hair is often a means of personal expression and therefore a key factor in self-identity and self-esteem.

 

Look for 

• Cleanliness of hirsute (hairy) regions
• Folliculitis: Inflammation of the skin around the hair follicle 
• Skin lesions in hirsute regions
• Alopecia: Hair loss
• Abnormal hirsuitism (particularly in women or children)
• Hair discoloration
• Greying hairs: Hair may turn temporarily grey or white after long periods of intense stress