What is Body hair?
'''Body hair''', also known as vellus hair or terminal hair, refers to the fine, short, and often barely visible [[hair]] that covers the human body. It serves several functions. They include protection, regulation of [[body temperature]], and [[Sensory system|sensory]] perception. The presence and distribution of body hair vary among individuals and are influenced by [[Genetics|genetic]], [[Hormone|hormonal]], and [[Environmental factor|environmental factors]]. <!-- == Characteristics of Body Hair == Body hair has two main types: vellus hair and terminal hair. === Vellus hair === Vellus hair is the fine, light-colored hair that covers most of the body. It is often short and thin, making it barely visible to the naked eye. Vellus hair is particularly prevalent on areas such as the face, arms, and legs. In childhood, vellus hair is more common, but during puberty, it can become coarser and longer in some regions, especially in males. === Terminal hair === Terminal hair is thicker, darker, and longer than vellus hair. It is typically found on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, genital area, and, in males, on the face (beard) and chest. The growth of terminal hair is influenced by hormones, primarily testosterone in males and estrogen in females. This type of hair often becomes more prominent during puberty and is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics. == Functions == Body hair serves various functions, including: === Protection === One of the primary functions of body hair is to protect the skin from external factors such as UV radiation, dust, and pathogens. Eyelashes, for example, protect the eyes from debris and excess sunlight, while nasal hair filters out airborne particles. === Temperature regulation === Body hair plays a role in temperature regulation by helping to trap a layer of warm air close to the skin or allowing for better heat dissipation depending on the circumstances. For instance, the contraction of hair follicles (goosebumps) in response to cold