What does 'ascenders' refer to in calligraphy?

In calligraphy, 'ascenders' refer specifically to the parts of lowercase letters that extend above the mean line of the typeface, which essentially is the line that indicates the height of the lowercase letters, excluding ascenders and descenders. These ascenders can be seen in letters such as 'b', 'd', 'h', and 'k', where the upper portions rise above the baseline. The correct answer highlights this distinct characteristic of lowercase letters that go above the line, particularly emphasizing the visual height that ascenders provide in type design.

The other choices do not accurately define ascenders. Lowercase letters that go below the line describe descenders, while uppercase letters do not pertain to the concept of ascenders, as they generally have a uniform height above the baseline. Additionally, stating all lowercase letters is too broad, as it includes those with descenders as well. Understanding these definitions helps in recognizing how different letter components contribute to the overall appearance and readability of calligraphy.