Terminal hair is the thick, coarse hair that develops on certain areas of the body during puberty and is usually darker and more pigmented compared to vellus hair. It plays a crucial role in thermoregulation and protection but can also be influenced by hormonal changes, genetics, and health conditions.

Terminal Hair

Thick hair

Coarse Hair

Areas of the body

Puberty is a biological process marking the transition from childhood to adulthood, characterized by physical, hormonal, and emotional changes. It typically occurs between ages 8-14 in girls and 9-15 in boys, leading to reproductive maturity and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Puberty

Darker hair

Pigmented hair

Vellus hair is the fine, light-colored, and barely noticeable hair that covers most of the human body, helping regulate body temperature by providing a layer of insulation. Unlike terminal hair, vellus hair does not contain a medulla and is not involved in aesthetic or sexual functions, indicating its primary role is biological rather than social.

Vellus Hair

Thermoregulation is the process by which organisms maintain their core internal temperature within an optimal range, despite external environmental fluctuations. This is crucial for survival as it ensures proper physiological functioning and metabolic processes.

Thermoregulation

Protection refers to the act of safeguarding individuals, communities, or systems from harm, damage, or adverse effects. It encompasses a range of strategies and mechanisms designed to ensure safety, security, and well-being across various contexts, including physical, legal, social, and environmental domains.

Protection

Hormonal changes are natural fluctuations in the body's chemical messengers that can significantly influence physical and emotional health. These changes occur during various life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and can be affected by lifestyle, stress, and medical conditions.

Hormonal Changes

Genetics is the study of heredity and variation in living organisms, focusing on how traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes. It encompasses the molecular structure and function of genes, gene behavior in the context of a cell or organism, and patterns of inheritance across generations.

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