West Virginia Cosmetology Board Practice Exam

The fundamental components of a hair follicle include the hair bulb, hair shaft, and sheath. The hair bulb is the lowest part of the hair follicle and is where the hair starts to grow. It contains living cells that divide and push older cells up the hair shaft, which is the part of the hair that is visible above the skin. The sheath, or outer root sheath, surrounds the follicle and provides structure and support to the hair. This configuration is crucial for understanding how hair develops and grows healthily.

In contrast, other options mention components that are either not part of the hair follicle or mix terms that do not accurately represent the structure of a hair follicle. Recognizing the accurate terminology helps in understanding the physiology behind hair growth and common conditions related to hair health.