Which term describes long, coarse, pigmented hair?

• A. Vellus hair
• B. Lanugo hair
• C. Terminal hair
• D. Pheomelanin

Answer: (C)

Hair types are described by texture and growth pattern. Terminal hair refers to the long, coarse, pigmented hair that grows in areas such as the scalp and, after puberty, in places like the armpits and pubic region. It’s thicker and darker because it contains more keratin and melanin, which sets it apart from vellus hair (fine, light-colored, peach-fuzz-like) and lanugo (fine fetal hair that’s shed before birth). Pheomelanin describes a pigment that contributes to red or yellow tones, not a separate hair type. So terminal hair is the term for long, coarse, pigmented hair.