In fine hair, which hair layer may be absent?

• A. Medulla
• B. Cortex
• C. Cuticle
• D. Hair follicle

Answer: (A)

The question is about hair anatomy and which layer can be missing in fine hair. Hair shafts have three main layers: the medulla at the center, the cortex surrounding it, and the cuticle as the outer protective layer. In fine hair, the central medulla may be absent or extremely reduced, so the hair shaft consists mainly of the cortex and cuticle. The cortex is what gives hair its strength and color, while the cuticle protects the inner layers. The hair follicle, on the other hand, is not a layer of the hair shaft itself—it’s the skin structure that the hair grows from. So, the layer that may be absent in fine hair is the medulla.