What is the primary role of matrix cells in hair?

The primary role of matrix cells in hair is closely associated with promoting hair growth. These cells are located in the hair bulb, which is at the base of the hair follicle, and they are responsible for the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes that ultimately form the hair shaft. As the matrix cells divide, they push older cells upward, which undergo keratinization to create the hardened structure of the hair.

As a result, the activity of matrix cells is directly linked to the growth phase of the hair cycle, known as anagen. By producing new hair cells at a rapid rate, matrix cells ensure that the hair continues to grow and can reach its full length. The health and activity level of these cells are critical for effective hair growth and determining the overall lifecycle of the hair follicle.

While pigment production is significant for hair color, structure is generally the result of keratinization, and oil production relates to sebaceous glands, none of these functions are primarily attributed to matrix cells. Their main function is integral to hair growth itself.