dermal papilla
"Dermal papillae are like little fingers that project into the epidermis to increase surface area (like microvilli)."
"The dermal papilla is like soil for the hair follicle. Therefore a healthy papilla is essential for healthy hair follicles."
"The dermal papilla is like the conductor of the hair growth," says Bruno Bernard, head of laboratory research and L'Oreal hair Biology innovation. "This is what will cause intussusception scalp with a hair follicle, which will itself make the hair, guided by the papilla."
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