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Lanugo are hairs that grow on the body to attempt to insulate it because of lack of fat. It is a type of pelage. It occurs on fetuses and it is normal for the developing fetus to consume the hair, which then contributes to the newborn baby's first feces (meconium). Lanugo hair is usually shed and replaced by vellus hair at 36–40 weeks gestation. The presence of lanugo in newborns is a sign of premature birth. This is also common on animals such as ducks, as a protection due to climate changes.
It is also a common symptom of serious anorexia nervosa, as the body attempts to insulate itself as body fat is lost.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Mori J. Krantz & Philip S. Mehler. Resting tachycardia, a warning sign in anorexia nervosa: case report. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 2004 4:10.
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