Arrector pili muscle: evidence of proximal attachment variant in terminal follicles of the scalp

Authors: Barcaui C.B.¹; Piñeiro-Maceira J.²; De Avelar Alchorne M.M.³

Source: British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 146, Number 4, April 2002 , pp. 657-658(2)

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Abstract:

Summary

Background There is general agreement that the proximal attachment site of the arrector pili (AP) muscle, via elastic tendons, is the bulge region, where follicular stem cells are situated. A variant of this insertion, in which the AP muscle surrounds the follicle circumference, has been described in human facial vellus hair follicles.

Objectives To investigate whether terminal hair follicles of the human scalp may also present this variant of proximal insertion of the AP muscle.

Methods Histological and immunohistochemical methods were used.

Results At the bulge level, bundles of the AP muscle were seen to encircle the entire hair follicle.

Conclusions Terminal follicles of the human scalp may also present this variant of proximal insertion of the AP muscle.

Keywords: arrector pili muscle; proximal insertion

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04541.x

Affiliations: 1: Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Farme de Amoedo 106, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro 22420–020, Brazil 2: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rua Enes de Souza 33/502, Rio de Janeiro 20521–210, Brazil 3: Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 740, Vila Clementino, São Paulo 04023–900, Brazil

Publication date: 2002-04-01