What components make up hair?

The correct choice includes the follicle and the shaft as the key components that make up hair. The hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends above the skin's surface, while the hair follicle is the structure in the skin that produces the hair, anchoring it in place. The follicle is a crucial part of the hair growth cycle, contributing to the formation of not only the hair itself but also the surrounding structures that support hair growth.

While the other components mentioned in different options are related to hair, they do not represent the two primary components as effectively as the follicle and shaft. For instance, while the cuticle and medulla are parts of the hair structure, they do not encompass the broader mechanisms of hair formation and growth. Similarly, hair bulbs and roots refer to specific areas of a hair follicle but do not capture the entire structure and function of hair as clearly as the follicle and shaft. Therefore, understanding the anatomy of hair at its core involves recognizing both the follicle and the shaft as fundamental components.