What part of the hair follicle houses the papilla, which contains blood vessels that nourish the growing hair?

The bulb is the part of the hair follicle that houses the papilla. The papilla is a small, nipple-shaped structure located at the base of the hair follicle. It contains a network of blood vessels that provide essential nutrients and oxygen to the growing hair. This nourishment is crucial for hair growth and health. The bulb, being the swollen lower part of the follicle, is where the hair begins to form above it.

In contrast, the cuticle refers to the outermost layer of the hair shaft and plays a role in protecting the hair but does not contain blood vessels. The shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends beyond the skin and does not have any blood supply, as it is made up of dead keratinized cells. The root is the part of the hair that is embedded in the follicle, but it is the bulb specifically that contains the papilla and the associated nourishing structures.