Embryology of the Hair Follicle

Abstract

The initial appearance and development of the hair follicle is strictly linked to the morphogenesis of the skin in the embryo. The skin is an organ composed of the epidermis and dermis. The origin of the two components is different: the epidermis derives from the ectodermal sheet, while the dermis derives from the mesodermal one. In the morphogenesis of the hair follicle both the epidermal and the dermal components play a fundamental role; and the problem as to which of the two starts the process is still a matter of discussion.