Caleb Foster
Human fingernails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. Unlike bones, which are made of collagen, keratin forms the cells of our hair and skin, as well as our nails. This protein protects our nails from damage by making them strong and resilient. The growth rate of nails is related to the length of the terminal phalanges (outermost finger bones), with the nail of the index finger growing faster than that of the little finger. Fingernails grow at an average rate of approximately 3.5mm a month, while toenails grow at about half that rate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Dead cells, a protein called alpha-keratin |
| Parts | Nail plate, nail bed, cuticle, matrix, lunula, hyponychium |
| Growth rate | 3 to 3.5 mm per month |
| Toenail growth rate | 1.6 mm per month |
| Function | Protect distal phalanx, fingertip, and surrounding soft tissues from injuries; enhance precise delicate movements of distal digits |
| Health | Discoloration, thinning, thickening, brittleness, etc. can indicate illness, nutrient deficiencies, drug reaction, poisoning, or local injury |
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What You'll Learn
Nails are made of keratin, a tough protein
Fingernails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in claws, hooves, and horns in animals. Keratin is a polymer that forms the cells of your hair and skin, too. It also forms cells that are a key part of many glands and that line internal organs.
The formation of a nail begins inside a part of the fingertip called the nail root or sinus, located a couple of millimetres behind the cuticle of your finger and toenails. This is where the cells that will eventually form the nail plate gradually die, harden, and push out of the skin. As older cells are compacted and pushed out of the skin by the formation of new cells, they take the hardened, flattened form of the fingernail.
The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed below it, and the grooves surrounding it. The nail matrix is the active tissue (or germinal matrix) that generates cells. The cells harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. The nail matrix is also known as the matrix unguis, keratogenous membrane, or onychostroma. It is the part of the nail bed that is beneath the nail and contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. The matrix produces cells that become the nail plate.
The lunula is the whitish, half-moon shape at the base of your nail. It is the visible part of the matrix, which constantly produces new keratin that gathers at the nail plate and slowly pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow. Fingernails grow at a rate of about 3 millimetres per month, and toenails grow a little slower, at around 1.6 millimetres per month.
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They are not bones, which are made of collagen
Fingernails are not bones. They are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in hair and skin. Keratin forms strong and resilient cells that protect nails from damage. It is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. While fingernails are made of keratin, bones are primarily composed of collagen and calcium phosphate.
Fingernails have several functions, including protecting the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. They also enhance precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. Additionally, fingernails can be used as a tool for tasks such as pulling out a splinter or cutting and scraping actions.
The health of the bones in the skeleton can influence the nail mineral content as they are connected via ligaments under the skin. Nails are also linked to a richly vascular system in the fingertips, which gives them their pinkish color. This color comes from the tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, that sit under the nail bed.
Nail health can be an indicator of overall health and nutrient deficiencies. For example, a lack of vitamin A, vitamin D, or calcium can cause dryness and brittleness of the nails, while insufficient vitamin B12 can lead to excessive dryness, darkened nails, and curved nail ends. Changes in nail health can also be a sign of more serious health issues, such as cancer or lung disease.
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Fingernails grow faster than toenails
Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin. This is a polymer also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. Keratin is also present in our hair and skin. Nails are made up of several different parts, including the nail plate, nail bed, cuticle, and matrix. The growing part of the nail is under the skin at the nail's proximal end under the epidermis, which is the only living part of a nail.
Fingernails grow at a rate of about 3.5 mm per month, whereas toenails grow at a rate of about 1.6 mm per month. This means that fingernails grow about three times faster than toenails. The exact mechanisms that control the speed of nail growth are unknown. However, it is known that the growth rate of nails is related to the length of the terminal phalanges (outermost finger bones). Nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, as do the nails on longer fingers. This is likely because the dominant hand is used more, increasing the risk of trauma, which causes more blood and nutrients to be sent to the area to aid repair. Nail growth rates also increase in the summer and decrease in the winter.
Nail growth rates can provide insight into an individual's health. For example, healthcare providers often use the fingernail beds as an indicator of distal tissue perfusion in individuals who may be dehydrated or in shock. Additionally, nail growth records can show the history of recent health and physiological imbalances and have been used as a diagnostic tool since ancient times.
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They can indicate metabolic changes and bone health
Fingernails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. They are protective plates found at the tip of the digits (fingers and toes) of all primates. The nail plate, or nail body, is the hard, visible part of the nail, made of translucent keratin protein. The word "nail" often refers only to this part.
Nails can provide clues about your health and well-being. They can indicate metabolic changes and bone health. Beau's lines, or deep horizontal ridges, are linked to systemic health conditions. They reflect disruptions in protein synthesis, metabolic function, or collagen production, which are essential for both nail and bone integrity. Beau's lines typically occur due to significant illness, malnutrition, or severe physiological stress, which can also impact bone metabolism. While they do not directly indicate bone loss, they may suggest a period of metabolic disruption that could influence multiple tissues, including nails and bones.
Slower nail growth may also signal systemic changes affecting both nail and bone health. Research from Dermatology and Therapy shows that reduced nail growth often accompanies conditions that impact bone health, such as hormonal changes and nutritional deficiencies. Both tissues depend on similar nutrients, including essential proteins and minerals that contribute to their strength and structure. Thus, changes in your nails, like increased brittleness, vertical ridges, or slow growth, could be subtle indicators of nutrient deficiencies that also impact bone health.
Additionally, changes in nail keratin properties may be a marker of osteoporosis. A technique called Raman spectroscopy can be used to evaluate bone health by measuring the degree of protein sulphating in fingernails. This technique can determine the presence of S-S bonds from sulphur-containing amino acids such as cysteine and methionine. Changes in the nail sulphur bondings, particularly at 510 cm-1, indicate the S-S bond, which may be related to bone health.
While nail analysis is not a definitive test for bone health, nail composition may reflect nutrient status, which plays a role in bone health over time. Therefore, recognizing changes in nail health can help assess overall health status and take proactive steps to support long-term bone strength.
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They are protective, useful for gripping and scratching
Fingernails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in hair and skin. Unlike bones, which are made of collagen and calcium phosphate, fingernails are made of dead cells and contain no nerve endings. However, they are linked to a richly vascular system in the fingertip, which gives them their pinkish colour. This is why cutting your nails does not hurt, but the skin underneath the nails, called the dermis, does have sensory nerve endings.
Fingernails serve several important functions. Firstly, they act as a protective plate for the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues, safeguarding them from injuries. This protective function is enhanced by the strength and resilience imparted to the nails by keratin. Additionally, fingernails enable precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. This allows for an "extended precision grip," making tasks like pulling out a splinter much easier.
Fingernails also have a role in scratching and grooming. They can be used for certain cutting or scraping actions, similar to claws in other animals. The hyponychium, the area between the free edge of the nail plate and the skin of the fingertip, provides a waterproof barrier. Furthermore, fingernails can be valuable in self-defence situations, as DNA collected from them can be used as evidence in the criminal justice system.
The health of your fingernails can provide insights into your overall well-being. Discoloration, thinning, thickening, brittleness, and other changes in the appearance of your nails may indicate nutrient deficiencies, illness in other parts of the body, or even more serious health issues such as cancer. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper nail hygiene and care, including regular trimming and filing, to keep your nails neat and minimise breaking.
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Frequently asked questions
No, finger nails are made of a protein called keratin, whereas bones are made of collagen and calcium phosphate. Keratin is also found in hair and skin.
Finger nails protect the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. They also help with precise delicate movements of the fingers through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger.
Nails are connected to bones via ligaments under the skin. This is why the health of the bones in the skeleton influences the nail mineral content.
