rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryfollicleSmall bodily sac
noun

follicle

FAH-lih-kul/ˈfɑːlɪkl/

A small sac or cavity in the body that contains or produces something.

The hair grows from a follicle beneath the skin.

Accurate skin cross-section showing single hair shaft emerging from follicle tube with bulb beneath surface, clean educational anatomy.
Etymology
follicleLatinlittle bag

Latin folliculus meant a little bag, and follicle entered anatomical use for a small sac. A hair follicle carries that image into the body: a small cavity from which a hair grows.

In context

Advanced eClinical Training (ACT)7:40
we have the root so the root is the part of the hair enclosed in the follicle
Integumentary System - Anatomy & Physiology Review

More examples

  • The diagram showed an ovarian follicle.
  • The swollen follicle was examined closely.
  • Several follicles were visible in the tissue sample.

Forms

follicle · follicles

Similar words

gland
A gland produces and releases substances; a follicle is a saclike structure that may contain a developing hair or egg.
pore
A pore is a small opening; a follicle is a structure beneath or within tissue.