What is one of the main functions of hair follicles in the skin?

One of the primary functions of hair follicles in the skin is to produce hair. Hair follicles are specialized structures located in the dermis that generate hair strands through a complex process involving cell division and keratinization. As cells in the follicle multiply, they push older cells upward, which then die and harden to form the hair shaft. This process is vital for the growth of hair, which serves various roles including protection, insulation, and sensory perception. The presence of a hair follicle is crucial for hair production, distinguishing it from other structures in the integumentary system that serve different functions, such as fat storage or nutrient absorption.