MCQs on Hair Analysis

1. Animal hair and human hair have multiple differences including:

A. The cuticle type

B. The pattern of pigmentation

C. The medullary index

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation: Animal hair and human hair have multiple differences including:

  1. Structure: Animal hair and human hair have different structures. Animal hair typically has a complex structure with an outer layer called the cuticle, which is made up of overlapping scales that protect the inner layers. Human hair, on the other hand, has a simpler structure with a cuticle that is smoother and more uniform.
  2. Thickness: Animal hair is usually thicker and coarser than human hair. Human hair, on the other hand, is finer and softer.
  3. Chemical composition: Animal hair and human hair have different chemical compositions. Animal hair contains more protein and is denser in keratin than human hair.
  4. Color: Animal hair comes in a wider variety of colors and patterns than human hair.

2. Alfred Swaine Taylor and Thomas Stevenson wrote a book that contains a chapter using:

A. Clothing in forensic investigations

B. Soil in forensic investigations

C. Hair in forensic investigations

D. Weapons in forensic investigations

Answer: C

Explanation: Alfred Swaine Taylor and Thomas Stevenson co-authored the book “A Manual of Medical Jurisprudence” in 1873, which contained a chapter on forensic toxicology. This chapter discussed the detection of poisons in cases of suspected poisoning, including the use of chemical tests and the examination of bodily fluids and tissues. Alfred Swaine Taylor and Thomas Stevenson did not specifically write a chapter on the use of hair in forensic investigation, but they discuss the examination of hair as part of the forensic investigation involving suspected poison.

3. Balthazrd and Lambert published a book includes numerous microscopic studies of hair from:

A. Most domesticated animals

B. Human beings

C. Most animals

D. None of the above

Answer: C

Explanation: Victor Balthazard and Marcelle Lambert were indeed prominent forensic scientists who made significant contributions to the study of hair in forensic investigations. They co-authored a book titled “Les Poils et les Cheveux: Etude Anthropologique” (translated as “Hair and Fur: Anthropological Study”), which was published in French in 1910.

The book includes numerous microscopic studies of hair from a variety of animals, including domestic and wild species, and provides a comprehensive overview of the morphological and structural characteristics of hair. In addition, it discusses the importance of hair in forensic investigations and provides guidance on how to collect and analyze hair evidence in criminal cases.

4. Outermost layer of Hair is:

A. Medulla

B. Cuticle

C. Cortex

D. Scale

Answer: B

Explanation: The outermost layer of hair is called the cuticle. The cuticle is composed of overlapping scales or cells that help to protect the hair shaft from damage and provide a barrier against external elements such as water and chemicals. The scales of the cuticle are formed from a protein called keratin and are arranged in a shingled pattern that helps to keep the hair shaft smooth and shiny. The cuticle also plays a role in determining the texture of the hair, as the size and shape of the scales can vary between different hair types.

5. The purpose of hair is to:

A. Regulate body temperature-to keep the body warm by insulation

B. Protect the body from rugged terrain

C. Protect the body from an attack

D. None of the above

Answer: A

Explanation: The purpose of hair varies between different species, but in general, hair serves several important functions:

  1. Protection: Hair helps protect the skin from external damage such as UV radiation, wind, and debris. In some animals, such as porcupines and hedgehogs, hair also serves as a defense mechanism against predators.
  2. Insulation: Hair helps to regulate body temperature by trapping air close to the skin, providing insulation in colder temperatures. In some animals, such as polar bears and otters, hair is particularly thick and provides excellent insulation for survival in cold environments.
  3. Sensory perception: Hair can serve as a sensory organ, providing tactile information about the environment. For example, cats have sensitive hairs on their faces called whiskers, which help them navigate in low-light conditions.

6. When humans are born they have about:

A. 5 million hair follicles, 5% on the head

B. 10 million hair follicles, 5% on the head

C. 10 million hair follicles, only 2% on the head

D. 5 million hair follicles, only 2% on the head

Answer: D

Explanation: When humans are born, they generally have a fine, soft hair covering their bodies called lanugo. It is generally estimated that human newborns have around 5 million hair follicles on their body, which will eventually produce hair as the child grows.

7. Microscopic characteristics of hair include:

A. Pigmentation of the cortex

B. Types of scales on the cuticle

C. Pattern of the medulla

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation: The microscopic characteristics of hair include:

  1. Cuticle: The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft and is composed of overlapping scales. The scales can vary in shape, size, and arrangement, which can help identify the species of origin.
  2. Cortex: The cortex is the main body of the hair shaft and is composed of elongated, spindle-shaped cells that contain pigment granules. The shape, size, and distribution of these granules can vary between individuals and can be used to distinguish between hairs from different individuals.
  3. Medulla: The medulla is a hollow canal that runs through the center of some hair shafts. The medulla can vary in size, shape, and continuity and can be used to distinguish between hairs from different species or individuals.
  4. Color: The color of hair can be used to identify the species of origin or to distinguish between hairs from different individuals. The color is determined by the type and amount of pigment granules present in the cortex.
  5. Diameter: The diameter of the hair shaft can vary widely between species and individuals, and it can be used to identify the species of origin or to distinguish between hairs from different individuals.

These microscopic characteristics can be used in forensic investigations to identify the species of origin of a hair sample or to determine whether hairs from different locations or individuals match

8. When a sample of hair contains certain chemicals, it will absorb some of the light and then reemit light of a different color. This is called:

A. Fluorescence

B. Incandescence

C. Effervescence

D. All of the above

Answer: A

Explanation: When a sample of hair contains certain chemicals, it will absorb some of the light and then reemit light of a different color. This phenomenon is called fluorescence. Fluorescence occurs when a molecule absorbs energy from light and is then excited to a higher energy state. When the molecule returns to its original state, it emits light at a longer wavelength than the original light source. Different chemicals can produce different fluorescent patterns, and fluorescence microscopy can be used to detect and analyze these patterns in hair samples.

9. Toxins that can be absorbed into the skin include:

A. Drugs

B. Arsenic

C. Lead

D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation:

Toxins that can be absorbed through the skin include:

  1. Pesticides: Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests such as insects, rodents, and weeds. Exposure to pesticides can occur through skin contact with contaminated surfaces or clothing, or through direct exposure during pesticide application.
  2. Heavy metals: Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic can be absorbed through the skin and can cause a range of health problems, including neurological damage and organ damage.
  3. Organic solvents: Organic solvents such as benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, dry cleaning, and automotive repair. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and can cause a range of health problems, including liver and kidney damage.
  4. Cosmetics and personal care products: Some cosmetics and personal care products may contain toxic ingredients that can be absorbed through the skin. For example, certain hair dyes and skin lightening creams may contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
  5. Pharmaceuticals: Some medications can be absorbed through the skin and can cause adverse reactions or toxicity. For example, fentanyl patches are used for pain management but can cause respiratory depression if not used properly.
  6. Environmental pollutants: Environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxins can be absorbed through the skin and can cause a range of health problems, including cancer and reproductive disorders.

It is important to take precautions to minimize exposure to these toxins and to follow proper safety protocols when working with hazardous materials.

10. If hair is forcibly removed the little chunk-of-flesh at the end is called:

A. Follicular tag

B. Hair tag

C. Cuticle tag

D. None of the above

Answer: A

Explanation: When hair is forcibly removed from the head, the little chunk of flesh at the end of the hair is called the hair follicle or root sheath. The hair follicle is the structure that surrounds the base of the hair shaft and contains the cells responsible for producing new hair growth. The root sheath is the part of the hair follicle that surrounds the hair shaft and helps to anchor the hair in the skin.

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