Hair root is an important part of hair that grows from the scalp. The hair root anchors hair to the scalp, and provides nourishment to the hair shaft. Synonyms for the word "hair root" include "hair follicle", "hair bulb", "hair rootlet", "hair papilla", "hair germ", and "hair matrix". Hair follicle is the most commonly used synonym for hair root as it is considered the main structure that produces the hair shaft. Hair bulb, hair rootlet, and hair papilla refer to different parts of the hair root. Hair germ and hair matrix are medical terms used to describe the cells within the hair root that produce new hair cells.