QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

SABADO, CHELSEA PEARL C.

BSCRIM 3D CHEM101

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY & TOXICOLOGY

LABORATORY REPORT
ACTIVITY 3

MICROSCOPE EXAMINATION OF HUMAN HAIR

I. ABSTRACT

The objective of this laboratory examination aims to understand the hair

structure, its purposes, the three layers of the hair: cuticle, cortex, and medulla and
the examination of the hair sample with scratched from the blade under the
microscope.

II. INTRODUCTION

Hair is a structure found on the body of mammals, and in some cases other
animals, that helps to protect the skin and also serves a variety of other purposes. It is
made up of keratin, which is a fibrous protein, and is composed of three layers: the
cuticle, cortex, and medulla.

The cuticle is the outermost layer and its purpose is to protect the hair from
damage. It consists of overlapping scales that lock together like shingles on a roof.

The cortex is the middle layer and it contains pigment cells that give hair its
color and structure. This layer also helps to create strength and elasticity in the hair
strand.

The medulla is the innermost layer, which isn’t always present in every strand
of hair. When it does exist, it can be used to determine hair type and texture.

Each hair strand is held in place by tiny glands called follicles. These follicles
are located deep beneath the skin's surface and are responsible for providing the hair
with nutrients. The primary purpose of hair is to help protect the skin from UV
radiation, heat, and mechanical damage. Additionally, hair can act as an insulator
 QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

against extreme temperatures, as well as provide protection against certain allergens

and irritants.

III. MATERIALS/METHOD

Microscope
Glass slide
Blade
Human hair sample

IV. PROCEDURE

The prepared hair sample which has been scratched using a blade were
examined under a light microscope. To examine the damaged hair structure, including
the cuticle, medulla, and cortex. Observations were recorded and any abnormalities or
peculiarities were noted.

V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The hair sample is analyzed and the damage caused by the blade to the hair is
observable but not clearly because of the magnification of the microscope used thus, it
can be described as protruding spikes and literally damaged the hair sample causing a
semi breakage. Although we used a microscope to examine the scratched hair, I did
not quite distinguish the other two layers of the hair which are: the cortex (middle
layer), and the medulla (innermost layer) except the cuticle which is the outer most
layer of the hair.

VI. CONCLUSION

I therefore conclude that the microscope examination of the human hair is not
really successful because there are other details on the damaged hair that is not
properly distinguish but there are still observable features of the hair sample that is
taken into account.