Answer :
The term that describes the soft down hairs present on the shoulders, back, and forehead of newborns is "lanugo." Lanugo is a fine, unpigmented hair that is typically shed during the later stages of pregnancy or shortly after birth.
Final answer:
The term describing the soft down hairs on a newborn is lanugo. It is present in many fetuses and may still be visible at birth but generally disappears within the first few weeks. So the correct option is B. Lanugo.
Explanation:
The soft down hairs present on the shoulders, back, and forehead of newborns are described as lanugo. This fine, colorless hair covers a fetus's body and face, typically starting around weeks 16 to 20 of gestation, providing insulation and possibly playing a role in sensory input. Lanugo is usually shed close to the time of birth, although some newborns may still have it at birth; it typically disappears within the first few weeks of life. Other terms such as milia, vernix, and Mongolian spot refer to different neonatal skin conditions and features: Milia are small, white bumps on the face due to keratin-filled cysts; vernix is a waxy, protective substance that coats the skin of a fetus while in the womb; and Mongolian spots are a type of birthmark.
