Lanugo

Humans

Fetal development

During human development, the lanugo grows on fetuses as a normal part of gestation, but it is usually shed and replaced by vellus hair at about thirty-three to thirty-six weeks of gestational age. As the lanugo is shed from the skin, it is normal for the hair to be consumed by the developing fetus, since it drinks from the amniotic fluid and urinates into its environment. As a result, lanugo contributes to the newborn baby's meconium. The presence of lanugo on newborns is not necessarily a sign of premature birth, as it is also seen on infants born at thirty-nine weeks of gestation (full term).

Lanugo functions as an anchor to hold the vernix caseosa on the skin. Together they protect the delicate fetal skin from being damaged by the amniotic fluid. The vernix caseosa also helps to prepare the fetus for life outside the womb. It provides lubrication for birth and contributes to thermoregulation, prevention of water loss, and innate immunity. Without the lanugo to anchor the vernix caseosa, these functions would be compromised.

Malnutrition

In the absence of fat, lanugo grows to serve as a replacement insulator, and thus can be observed in malnourished patients, including those with eating disorders. When found along with other physical symptoms, for example, lanugo can help a physician make a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

Teratoma

It is often found in teratomas (congenital tumours).

Other mammals

Lanugo is also common on other mammals. For example, seals and elephants are often born with a covering of lanugo. Some species of fetal whales and dolphins also have lanugo.

References

References

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