Which phase is a brief transition between growth and rest in the hair cycle?

Which phase is a brief transition between growth and rest in the hair cycle?

• A. Anagen phase
• B. Catagen phase
• C. Telogen phase
• D. Exogen phase

Answer: (B)

Catagen is the brief transition between active growth and rest. In this phase, hair growth stops, the follicle shortens, and the hair bulb regresses as the connection to the blood supply is reduced. This short transition prepares the follicle to enter the resting phase, where the hair eventually sheds. Growth is represented by the long anagen phase, while the resting phase is the telogen; exogen refers to the shedding process. So, the middle, transitional stage is catagen.

Catagen is the brief transition between active growth and rest. In this phase, hair growth stops, the follicle shortens, and the hair bulb regresses as the connection to the blood supply is reduced. This short transition prepares the follicle to enter the resting phase, where the hair eventually sheds. Growth is represented by the long anagen phase, while the resting phase is the telogen; exogen refers to the shedding process. So, the middle, transitional stage is catagen.