<Tr> <Th> iii </Th> <Td> Thick </Td> <Td>... more than 4 inches (10 centimetres) </Td> </Tr> <P> Many mammals have fur and other hairs that serve different functions . Hair provides thermal regulation and camouflage for many animals; for others it provides signals to other animals such as warnings, mating, or other communicative displays; and for some animals hair provides defensive functions and, rarely, even offensive protection . Hair also has a sensory function, extending the sense of touch beyond the surface of the skin . Guard hairs give warnings that may trigger a recoiling reaction . </P> <P> While humans have developed clothing and other means of keeping warm, the hair found on the head serves as primary sources of heat insulation and cooling (when sweat evaporates from soaked hair) as well as protection from ultra-violet radiation exposure . The function of hair in other locations is debated . Hats and coats are still required while doing outdoor activities in cold weather to prevent frostbite and hypothermia, but the hair on the human body does help to keep the internal temperature regulated . When the body is too cold, the arrector pili muscles found attached to hair follicles stand up, causing the hair in these follicles to do the same . These hairs then form a heat - trapping layer above the epidermis . This process is formally called piloerection, derived from the Latin words' pilus' (' hair') and' erectio' (' rising up'), but is more commonly known as' having goose bumps' in English . This is more effective in other mammals whose fur fluffs up to create air pockets between hairs that insulate the body from the cold . The opposite actions occur when the body is too warm; the arrector muscles make the hair lie flat on the skin which allows heat to leave . </P> <P> In some mammals, such as hedgehogs and porcupines, the hairs have been modified into hard spines or quills . These are covered with thick plates of keratin and serve as protection against predators . Thick hair such as that of the lion's mane and grizzly bear's fur do offer some protection from physical damages such as bites and scratches . </P>

What is the purpose of hair on your head