Genetic basis of hair histomorphological variables

The genetic basis of scalp hair histomorphological variables, such as incidence of medulla, diameter, area of cross-section, cross-sectional index, and weight has been examined in a Bengalee hair sample (India) by family study. The results of correlation analysis between different combinations of parents and offspring together with sibs indicate the involvement of a significant genetic component in variability. The estimates of heritability based on regression coefficients of parent--child are 0.725 (incidence of medullation), 0.534 (diameter), 0.466 (area of cross-section), 0.673 (cross-sectional index), and 0.369 (weight). Moreover, there is little evidence of X-linkage involved in the hair variables.