In humans, the epidermal appendages include hairs and nails (both of which contain hard keratin) and various glands.

Scalp, Human (H&E) [#49]- and Scalp, Human, (Orcein-PIC) [#50]- Examine these photomicrographs for the structure of the hair. You will note that in many cases, the hair shaft has been lost from the section leaving only an empty follicle. In an intact hair shaft (which is often heavily pigmented) locate the medulla, cortex and cuticle. The boundaries between these structures may be rather indistinct depending upon the location of the section. Examine the hair follicle and note the darker staining (by orcein-PIC) internal root sheath surrounded by the lighter staining external root sheath. The external root sheath is in turn bounded by the glassy membrane. At the base of the hair follicle you may be able to locate a dermal (hair) papilla. Note the melanin granules located in the hair matrix immediately above the dermal papilla. Locate the arrector pili muscles which are a band of smooth muscles running from the lower part of the hair shaft to the epidermis. The sebaceous gland is often located between a hair follicle and the pili muscle. The cells of this gland are large, have distinct nuclei and borders, and have a foamy appearance due to the presence of large numbers of lipid vesicles.