Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is the term for thin, soft, unpigmented hair covering the body?

1. Lanugo

2. Terminal

3. Villus

4. Barb

The correct answer is: Villus

The term for thin, soft, unpigmented hair covering the body is "villus." These fine hairs are typically found on various parts of the body, including the face, arms, and legs, contributing to the body's overall covering. They are often referred to as "peach fuzz," as they are soft to the touch and may not be very noticeable. Unlike terminal hair, which is thicker, longer, and pigmented (like scalp hair or facial hair in men), villus hair is short and fine. Lanugo is another type of hair that usually refers to fine hair found on a fetus, which typically sheds before birth. Barb hair does not relate to body hair but rather refers to the barbed structure of certain types of animal hairs or feathers. Therefore, villus hair plays an essential role in the body, providing a soft covering without the properties associated with coarser hair types.