There are three basic scale structures that make up the cuticle—coronal (crown-like),
spinous (petal-like), and imbricate (flattened). Combinations and variations of these types
are possible. Figures 4-9 illustrate scale structures. The coronal, or crown-like scale
pattern is found in hairs of very fine diameter and resemble a stack of paper cups.
Coronal scales are commonly found in the hairs of small rodents and bats but rarely in
human hairs. Figure 4 is a diagram depicting a longitudinal view of coronal scales, and
Figure 5 is a photomicrograph of a free-tailed bat hair.