The term papilla is used in various contexts in biology and medicine to describe a small, cone- or wart-shaped structure. In the context of hair biology, the papilla refers to the dermal papilla, an essential structure for hair growth.
hair papilla
The hair papilla It lies at the base of the hair follicle and contains capillaries (small blood vessels) that supply nutrients and oxygen necessary for the growth of hair cells. 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.
- Signal transduction : 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 the hair during the natural hair cycle, which is divided into the phases anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (rest).
Other meanings of papilla
- Optic papilla : In the eye, the optic papilla is the point where the optic nerve leaves the retina, often referred to as the “blind spot” because it does not contain any photoreceptors.
- Taste buds : 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 protrusions of the dermis (inner layer of skin) that extend 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, either as an interface for nutrient supply, as a sensory organ, or as a structural support.
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