What is the name for the mass of epidermal cells that forms a small tube or canal?

• A. Hair follicle
• B. Dermal ridge
• C. Sebaceous gland
• D. Sweat pore

Answer: (A)

Mass of epidermal cells that forms a small tube or canal is the hair follicle. An epidermal invagination extends downward into the dermis, creating a tubular structure that surrounds and anchors the growing hair. This tube-like formation is the hair follicle, which houses the hair root and includes associated structures like the hair matrix and sebaceous gland. The other options describe different skin features: a sweat pore is just the opening on the surface for sweat, a dermal ridge is a surface pattern, and a sebaceous gland is a gland associated with hair but not a tube itself.