Observation of the Internal Structure of the Human Hair Cuticle Cell by SEM

Direct observation with a. scanning electron microscope of some aspects of the internal structure of the human hair cuticte cell has been accomplished. Long-term exposure of hair to sun and atmosphere resulted in a breakdown of the cuticle cells on the surface of the hair. Cleavage of the cuticle cells was observed to have occurred within the endocuticle layer in many cases. Remains of the endocuticle layer on the hair surface-gave the appearance of an amorphous globular material. A layer believed to he an under membrane that was readily observed on the sun- and atmosphere-exposed samples has also been found on many different hair samples subjected to "normal" wear. Longitudinal striations originating within the cuticle cell similar to but less discernihle than those found in some types of. wool, were also observed on the human hair samples.