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What is the tough exterior layer of the hair called?

  1. Cortex

  2. Cuticle

  3. Medulla

  4. Follicle

The correct answer is: Cuticle

The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair and serves as a protective barrier for the inner layers. The cortex (A) is the middle layer responsible for the hair's strength and elasticity, while the medulla (C) is the innermost layer that transports nutrients to the hair. The follicle (D) is the structure in the skin from which the hair grows, it is not considered part of the tough exterior layer of the hair.