Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What term describes the thicker, pigmented hair that grows on areas of the body after puberty?

1. Terminal

2. Villus

3. Barb

4. Cilia

The correct answer is: Terminal

The term that describes the thicker, pigmented hair that grows on areas of the body after puberty is "terminal." This type of hair is typically found in areas such as the scalp, underarms, and pubic region, and it differs from other types of hair in both texture and pigmentation. During puberty, hormonal changes lead to the development of terminal hair in response to increased levels of androgens, such as testosterone. This process contributes to secondary sexual characteristics, marking a transition from the finer, lighter, and less pigmented hair known as vellus hair. Terminal hair is coarser and usually darker, which is why it becomes more noticeable after puberty. Other terms like "villus," "barb," and "cilia" refer to different types or characteristics of hair and structures. Vellus hair is fine and unpigmented, which means it does not match the characteristics described in the question. "Barb" is not related to human hair but is more associated with bird feathers, while "cilia" refers to microscopic hair-like structures on cells, which are unrelated to body hair. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why "terminal" is the correct choice for this question.