What is the technical term for the soft hair found on the body at birth?

The technical term for the soft hair found on the body at birth is lanugo. This fine, downy hair typically covers the fetus during gestation and is usually shed before or shortly after birth. Lanugo serves several purposes in the womb, such as helping to hold the protective vernix caseosa (a waxy substance that protects the skin) in place and providing insulation.

While vellus hair is another type of fine hair, it is not specifically associated with the fetal stage and instead develops later in life. Terminal hair refers to the thicker, coarser hair that grows in certain areas of the body, such as the scalp, eyebrows, and during puberty. The term fetal hair could also be misleading, as it is not a formal term used in the context of human hair development. Thus, lanugo is the most accurate and appropriate term for the soft hair present at birth.