Monilethrix. Comparative scanning electron microscopic study of the hair in one family.
A comparative examination of the hair of the members of a family with monilethrix was carried out. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used in the examination. It could be shown that the hair of persons with monilethrix showed a clear irregularity in its surface structure. A corresponding pattern was found in the clinically healthy sister and the likewise healthy father. The surface of the mother's hair showed a normal condition. The cuticle of the monilethrix appears to be very soft. The SEM method permits more exact examinations concerning the heredity of monilethrix.
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006201:Hair Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning