Forensics: chapter 3 review

Describe the structure of hair. Include in your answer the terms follicle, medulla, cortex, and cuticle.

The hair follicle is an actively growing base of hair that contains nuclear DNA. A medulla is the central core of hair medullary index to the ratio of the medulla to the with the hair. A cortex is the largest part of the hair shaft. A cuticle is the tough outer covering of hair that is composed of overlapping scales.

How do forensic scientists use analysis of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes to assist in solving crimes?

The human body is made up of water. Forensic scientists examine the presence of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes that are found in our body tissues, including our hair through chemical and radiological analysis.

Which of the following characteristics is commonly found in Asian hair?

black medulla

Hair can be used to determine

diet, drug habits, and geographic history

Today, all forms of hair evidence are considered to be of little value in crime-scene investigations.

false

Which part(s) of a hair can be analyzed for nuclear DNA?

follicle (root)

Animal hair can be distinguished from human hair because animal hair

has a greater medullary index and more variation in the cuticle patterns

Human hair has which type of cuticle pattern?

imbricate

Microscopic hair analysis

is used to exclude a suspect

Hair can provide clues about someone's ancestry.

true

Technological advances such as chromatography and IRMS have improved the validity and reliability of hair analysis due to its objective analysis.

true

Which factors are used to calculate the medullary index of the hair?

width of medulla and the width of the hair

Although variations can occur, which of the following best describes European hair?

straight or wavy with evenly distributed granules

The period when hair is naturally shed is called the ____ stage.

telogen