Studies by immunohistochemistry of human follicles reveal "the bulge" to be a distinct structure located just below the isthmus and responsible for initiating the follicular cycle anew.

The attachment of the hair arrector muscle may serve not only to anchor the follicle, but also to protect the "bulge."

"The bulge" is not situated below the isthmus; it is a component of the isthmus.

A protective role for smooth muscle of hair erection vis-à-vis "the bulge" is speculation.