follic

follic is a term that can refer to a small sac or cavity, most commonly encountered in biological contexts. In the study of hair, a hair follic is the structure from which a hair grows. This complex organ is embedded in the dermis of the skin and comprises several parts, including the bulb, the papilla, and the sebaceous gland. The bulb is the enlarged, club-shaped structure at the base of the follic that contains actively dividing cells responsible for hair growth. The papilla is a small cone of connective tissue that protrudes into the base of the bulb, supplying nutrients and signaling molecules. The sebaceous gland, typically associated with the follic, secretes sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the hair and skin.

Beyond hair, the term follic can also be used more generally to describe other small, sac-like structures. For instance, in the ovaries of female mammals, ovarian follics are crucial for the development and release of eggs (ova) during the menstrual cycle. These follics undergo a process of maturation, growing in size and complexity, before ovulation. The term can also appear in descriptions of plant structures or other microscopic formations. The specific meaning of follic is usually determined by the surrounding context.