What is lanugo?

Lanugo is characterized as fine, soft hair that covers the bodies of infants, particularly those who are born prematurely. This fine hair is typically present during gestation and serves to help regulate temperature in the womb. It is most notable in preterm infants where the development of fat deposits is less complete; lanugo serves as a protective layer.

After birth, lanugo usually begins to shed within the first few days to weeks of life, as the infant's body adapts to the external environment and begins to develop more mature body hair. This process highlights a normal aspect of infant development and transitional changes occurring as the baby grows.

The other options refer to different phenomena or conditions that do not accurately describe lanugo. Thick fur-like hair patterns (as stated in one option) do not apply, nor do skin conditions or irregularities in hair growth as defined in the context of lanugo. Therefore, the correct understanding of lanugo is essential in comprehending typical neonatal development.