Which phase is known as the growth phase during which new hair is produced?

Which phase is known as the growth phase during which new hair is produced?

• A. Telogen phase
• B. Anagen phase
• C. Catagen phase
• D. Exogen phase

Answer: (B)

Active hair production occurs during the growth phase known as the anagen phase. In this stage, the hair follicle is highly active; matrix cells divide rapidly, keratinization builds the hair shaft, and new hair lengthens from the follicle. The length of this phase varies by body site and can last years on the scalp, which is why scalp hair can grow long. After growth, the follicle enters a brief catagen transition, then the telogen resting phase where growth stops and hair may shed, with exogen describing the shedding process. Because new hair is produced only during the anagen phase, this is the correct phase.

Active hair production occurs during the growth phase known as the anagen phase. In this stage, the hair follicle is highly active; matrix cells divide rapidly, keratinization builds the hair shaft, and new hair lengthens from the follicle. The length of this phase varies by body site and can last years on the scalp, which is why scalp hair can grow long. After growth, the follicle enters a brief catagen transition, then the telogen resting phase where growth stops and hair may shed, with exogen describing the shedding process. Because new hair is produced only during the anagen phase, this is the correct phase.