1. NOVEMBER 13, 2012
STANDARD: SFS2b-Analyze the morphology and types of hair, fibers, soil and glass.
EQ: What is the structure of hair fiber?
Read the case study on pg363 (blue book), pg 420 (orange), and write and answer the following questions.
What happened to the “Central Park Jogger”?
What evidence caused the boys to be convicted?
What eventually happened to the boys and what caused that decision to be made?

2. Examination of Trace Evidence: Hair
Chapter 10
Examination of Trace Evidence: Hair

3. Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis
- HAIRS
- Most frequently found evidence at the scene of a violent crime
- Can provide link between criminal, victim, and crime scene
- From hair, one can determine:
1. Human or Animal
2. Race
3. Origin
4. Manner of removal
5. Treated hair
6. Drugs ingested

4. Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis
- HAIRS
- Hair Morphology
- Shaft: sticks out of the skin
- Root: below epidermis
- Follicle: structure from which it grows

5. Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis
- HAIRS
- Hair Morphology
- Medulla
- Cortex
- Cuticle

6. Two features that make hair a good subject for identification:
Resistance to chemical decompostion
Ability to retain features for a long time

7. Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis
- HAIRS
- Hair Morphology
- CUTICLE
- Formed by overlapping scales that always point toward the tip end of each hair

8. Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis
- HAIRS
- Hair Morphology
- CUTICLE
- Scale variations dependent on species
Mosaic
Pectinate
Imbricate
Petal
Diamond Petal
Chevron

9. Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis
- HAIRS
Imbricate
- Hair Morphology
Human
Petal
Cat
Mosaic
Dog

10. Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis
- HAIRS
Pectinate
- Hair Morphology
Diamond Petal
Mouse
Northern Fur Seal
Rabbit
Chevron

11. Cuticle Visualization
Scanning electron microscope
Make a cast of its surface using clear nail polish or softened vinyl

12. Hair Structure Hair is composed of three principal parts:
Cuticle – outer coating composed of overlapping scales
Cortex – protein-rich structure around the medulla that contains pigment
Medulla – central core (may be absent)
The structure of hair has been compared to that of a pencil with the medulla being the lead, the cortex being the wood and the cuticle being the paint on the outside.

13. Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis
- HAIRS
- Middle layer, made of spindle-shaped cells (keratin) aligned in a regular array, parallel to the length of the hair, consisting of:
- Hair Morphology
- CORTEX
Melanin: pigment granules that give hair its color
- Points of forensic comparison – color, size, shape, distribution

14. Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis
- HAIRS
- canal-like, innermost layer of cells, variety of types and patterns
- Hair Morphology
- MEDULLA
- 4 Types
1. Continuous: most animals, seldom humans
2. Interrupted (Discontinuous): human pubic hair, sometimes head hair
3. Fragmented: mostly human hair
4. Absent: human hair

15. MEDULLARY INDEX
Measure the diameter of the medulla relative to the diameter of the hair shaft:
Humans= <1/3
Other Animals= ½ or >

16. Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis
- HAIRS
- Hair Morphology
- MEDULLA
- 5 Patterns
1. Amorphous: no specific pattern
2. Uniserial: small blocks in a row
3. Multiserial: several rows of blocks across
4. Vacuolated: uneven pattern
5. Lattice: circular patterns

17. 3-2-1
3 Important Facts
2 Connections
1 Question

18. THREE GROWTH PHASES OF THE ROOT:
Anagen- initial growth (follicular tag-rich source of DNA)-flame shaped
Catagen- transition stage (elongated)
Telogen- final growth (club-shaped)

20. Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis

21. Scale structure Medullary index Medullary shape
3 FEATURES IMPORTANT FOR HAIR ID:
Scale structure
Medullary index
Medullary shape

22. 7 characteristics that interest Criminalists:
Matching color
Length
Diameter
Presence or absence of medulla
Distribution
Shape
Color intensity of pigment granules

23. How fast does hair grow on average?
1cm per month

27. Microscopic Evidence and Its Analysis
- Root Characteristics: Removal
Pulled
Forcibly removed
Shed
- Tip Characteristics
Burned
Cut
Razored
Split

28. Can you identify the animal hairs shown?B C D G E F H I
Teacher Note: I challenge students to identify each hair sample pictured on this slide as they examine the sets of animal hairs I have prepared for them. An observation worksheet is available on my website which requires students to draw an image of what they see and add a description that highlights unique characteristics of each specimen. A key for the animal hairs is available on the next to last slide of this presentation!
Think About It …
In which samples are we viewing the cuticle? How do they compare?
(2) In which samples are we viewing the medulla? How do they compare?
(3) What characteristics can be used to identify hair samples?

29. Can you identify the types of fibers shown?
Teacher Note: I challenge students to identify each fiber sample pictured on this slide as they examine the sets of fibers I have prepared for them. An observation worksheet is available on my website which requires students to draw an image of what they see and add a description that highlights unique characteristics. A key for the fibers is available on the last slide of this presentation!
Think About It …
Which samples are natural fibers?
(2) Which samples are synthetic fibers?
(3) What characteristics can be used to identify fiber samples?

30. Answer Keys

31. Types of Animal Hairs - Key
Cat
Horse
Pig
Human A B C D G E F H I
Deer
Dog
Rabbit
Rat
Human

32. A B C D E F Types of Fibers - Key Acrylic Yarn Cotton Yarn Nylon Rope
Polyester Yarn
Rayon Rope
Wool Yarn