What is the listed order of hair layers from the center outward?

• A. medulla, cortex, cuticle, inner coat, outer coat, inner root sheath, outer root sheath
• B. medula, cuticle, cortex, inner coat, outer coat, inner root sheath, outer root sheath
• C. medula, cortex, cuticle, inner coat, outer coat, inner root sheath, outer root sheath
• D. medula, cuticle, cortex, inner root sheath, outer root sheath, inner coat, outer coat

Answer: (B)

Centering on how hair layers are arranged from inside outward, the medulla forms the tiny central core, if present. The next component described is the cuticle, a protective layer surrounding the core, then the cortex, which provides most of the hair’s strength and color. Beyond the shaft itself are additional surrounding layers labeled as inner coat and outer coat, followed by the protective follicular coverings known as the inner root sheath and outer root sheath. This sequence matches the listed answer and reflects the convention used in this material, which tests familiarity with the order of these components. The other options shuffle the positions of the cortex and cuticle or place the root sheaths before the coats, which does not align with the order being tested.