BACKGROUND - Punch-biopsy is a great tool for the diagnosis of scalp disorders, however experience is required for the dermatopathologist. Recognizing the standard structures found in normal scalp is very helpful in this aspect. OBJECTIVE - The goal of this study was to determine quantitative data considering normal structures on the scalp of white adults. METHODS - Twenty necropsies were followed by eighty 4mm-punch biopsies of clinically normal scalp. Samples were evaluated by transverse sections. RESULTS - Scalp fragments from white adults, age 21 to 78, demonstrated (medians): 16.5 (12.0-23.0) total follicles; 8.0 (6.0-9.0) follicular units; 15.0 (10.0-20.0) terminal follicles; 1.0 (0.0-2.0) vellus follicle; and 1.0 (0.0-2.5) fibrous tract. Considering the hair cycle phase: 92.2% were in anagen; 1.6% in catagen and 6.2% in telogen. CONCLUSION - Comparing the results, male samples demonstrated fewer follicular units, total and telogen follicles, and higher number of total follicles and fibrous tracts on frontal and vertex area.
Alopecia; Dermatology; Hair follicle; Histology; Scalp
