The papilla is a term used in various contexts of biology and medicine to describe a small, cone- or wart-shaped structure. In the context of hair biology, papilla refers to the hair papilla, an essential structure for hair growth.
hair papilla
The hair papilla lies at the base of the hair follicle and contains capillaries (small blood vessels) that deliver nutrients and oxygen necessary for hair cell growth. This structure is crucial for the formation of new hair and plays a key role in the hair growth cycle.
Functions of the hair papilla
- Nutrient supply : The hair papilla supplies the dividing hair cells in the hair matrix with the necessary nutrients, which enables hair growth.
- Signaling : It also contains receptors for growth factors and hormones that regulate hair growth and hair cycles.
- Regeneration : The hair papilla is involved in the regeneration of hair during the natural hair cycle, which is divided into the phases of anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (rest).
Other meanings of papilla
- Optic disc : In the eye, the optic disc is the point where the optic nerve leaves the retina, often called the “blind spot” because it contains no light receptors.
- Taste papillae : Sensory organs located on the tongue that are responsible for the perception of different tastes.
- Dermal papillae : In dermatology, the term refers to the small, finger-like projections of the dermis (inner layer of skin) that protrude into the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and ensure the strength of the connection between these two layers of skin.
In each of these contexts, the papilla plays an important role in the function of the respective organ or tissue, serving either as a nutrient supply interface, as a sensory organ, or as a structural support.
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