Lesson plan
Ophiasis
Ophiasis is a form of alopecia areata characterized by the loss of hair in the shape of a wave at the circumference of the head. It gets its name from Greek ὄφις ophis 'snake' because of the apparent similarity to a snake-shape and the pattern of hair loss. The term "sisaipho" is used to characterize the inverse pattern. Sisaipho is, almost, the reverse spelling of ophiasis. It is also called "ophiasis inversus". This form of hair loss "...targets the body's own hair follicles, resulting in hair loss..." and although the immune system could be attacking hair follicle melanocytes, dermal papilla cells, and keratinocytes,” the foundational cause of this disease is yet to be confirmed.
Article summary
Ophiasis is a form of alopecia areata characterized by the loss of hair in the shape of a wave at the circumference of the head. It gets its name from Greek ὄφις ophis 'snake' because of the apparent similarity to a snake-shape and the pattern of hair loss. The term "sisaipho" is used to characterize the inverse pattern. Sisaipho is, almost, the reverse spelling of ophiasis. It is also called "ophiasis inversus". This form of hair loss "...targets the body's own hair follicles, resulting in hair loss..." and although the immune system could be attacking hair follicle melanocytes, dermal papilla cells, and keratinocytes,” the foundational cause of this disease is yet to be confirmed.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
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