Follicle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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follicle
[ˈfɒlɪkəl ]
Definition
biological structure
A follicle is a small sac-like structure in various tissues of the body, often involved in the development of hair, eggs, or other anatomical features. In human biology, there are two main types of follicles: hair follicles, which are responsible for hair growth, and ovarian follicles, which contain and mature the eggs. Follicles play a crucial role in the reproductive system and are essential for the processes of growth and development in both animals and plants.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The doctor examined the hair follicle for signs of infection.
- Ovarian follicles develop during the menstrual cycle.
- The skin's structure includes numerous hair follicles.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biology
- Each hair grows from a follicle in the skin, where cells divide and form the hair strand.
- There are two types of hair follicles: terminal ones that produce thick hair and vellus ones that produce fine, lighter hair.
- A common condition called 'alopecia' occurs when hair follicles are damaged or do not function properly, leading to hair loss.
Health & Beauty
- Healthy follicles play a crucial role in hair growth, making treatments like shampoo and serums focused on 'follicle health' popular.
- Follicles can be affected by various factors including hormones, diet, and environmental conditions.
Pop Culture
- Follicles have entered the beauty lexicon, often referenced in advertising for hair care products claiming to improve follicle health.
- The term is often used humorously in beauty vlogs and blogs to emphasize the importance of scalp health in hair care routines.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that the perception of hair density and health can impact self-esteem and body image.
- Hair loss can lead to significant psychological effects, as society often equates hair with attractiveness.
Origin of 'follicle'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'follicle' comes from the Latin word 'folliculus,' meaning 'small bag' or 'small sac.'
- In biology, 'follicle' is used to describe not just hair follicles, but also ova follicles in ovaries.
The word 'follicle' originates from the Latin word 'folliculus', which is a diminutive form of 'follicus', meaning 'a small bag or pouch'. This term has been used in various fields of biology to describe small sac-like structures that serve specific functions within organisms. Over time, the term has become widely adopted in anatomy and reproductive biology to denote structures like hair and ovarian follicles. The modern usage reflects both the structure and function of these biological components. As science advanced, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, the understanding of follicular biology grew, leading to significant research in areas such as dermatology and reproductive health.