Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which hair type typically covers the entire body and may be more noticeable in males than females after puberty?

1. Cilia

2. Villus

3. Barb

4. Terminal

The correct answer is: Terminal

The correct answer is terminal hair, which is the type of hair that typically covers the entire body and becomes more noticeable in males after puberty. Terminal hair is thicker, longer, and darker than other types of hair on the body, contrasting with the finer and softer hair known as vellus hair. This developmental change is largely influenced by hormonal changes during puberty, particularly an increase in androgens, which stimulate the growth of terminal hair in areas such as the chest, face, and underarms in males. In females, there is a lesser degree of terminal hair growth, but it can still be observed, especially in areas like the legs and arms. This is important for understanding human biology, as hair growth patterns can signify different developmental stages and functions of body hair in both sexes. Villus hair, while covering much of the body, is typically finer and less noticeable and does not undergo the same transformation during puberty as terminal hair. Cilia, referring to the tiny hair-like structures on cells and used for movement or sensory purposes, do not pertain to body hair. Barb hair, although not a commonly used term in anatomy, usually refers to specific features in certain animals rather than in humans, making it an unsuitable choice for describing human body hair.