Which of the hair components holds the hair to the skin cells in the follicle?

The root of the hair is the portion that anchors the hair into the skin within the follicle. It is located beneath the surface of the skin and is encased in the hair follicle, providing stability and support to the hair. The root contains vital structures such as the hair matrix, where cells proliferate and differentiate to form the hair shaft.

In contrast, the bulb is the swollen base of the hair root where the growth occurs, but it is not the component that directly affixes the hair to the skin. The hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends above the surface of the skin, while the cortex refers to the middle layer of the hair strand that gives hair its strength, color, and texture. Neither the hair shaft nor the cortex is involved in physically attaching the hair to the follicle or skin. Therefore, recognizing the role of the root is essential for understanding hair anatomy and its relationship with the skin.