Here's a breakdown:
* Hair follicle: This is a tiny, tube-like invagination in the skin that contains the hair shaft.
* Hair bulb: Located at the base of the follicle, the hair bulb is where the hair shaft actually forms.
* Hair matrix: Within the hair bulb, this is the specific area where new hair cells are produced. These cells, called keratinocytes, divide rapidly and are pushed upward to form the hair shaft.
* Papilla: This is a small, cone-shaped structure located in the center of the hair bulb. It contains blood vessels that supply nutrients to the hair matrix, allowing for ongoing growth.
So, the hair follicle acts like a miniature factory where hair is formed from the inside out, starting with the hair matrix at the base of the follicle.