Which part of the hair is the outermost layer formed by shingle‑like cells that protects the cortex?

• A. Hair cuticle
• B. Hair shaft
• C. Medulla
• D. Cortex

Answer: (A)

This question tests your understanding of hair anatomy, focusing on the protective outer layer of the hair shaft. The outermost layer is the cuticle, made of overlapping flat cells arranged like shingles. This structure protects the inner layers, especially the cortex, from damage and moisture loss. The cortex lies beneath the cuticle and provides most of the hair’s strength and color, while the medulla is a central core that isn’t present in all hairs. The entire hair shaft is the whole strand, not a single layer. So the part described as outermost and formed by shingle-like cells that protect the cortex is the cuticle.