What does a hair follicle consist of?

A hair follicle is primarily composed of epidermal cells, which are involved in the production of hair. The hair follicle originates in the epidermis and extends into the dermis, where it surrounds the hair shaft. These epidermal cells play a crucial role in the proliferation and differentiation processes necessary for hair growth.

The structure includes several key components such as the hair bulb, which contains matrix cells—these are rapidly dividing epidermal cells that produce the hair keratin and are vital for hair shaft formation. Additionally, the follicle's growth is influenced by signals from surrounding dermal cells, but fundamentally, the hair follicle itself is derived from and consists predominantly of epidermal cells.

This understanding highlights the unique relationship between the epidermis and dermis in hair growth, with epidermal cells forming the core structure of the hair follicle.