Noah Sinclair
Fingernails are made of a tough, dead substance called keratin, a hard protein also found in hair and skin. While nails themselves are dead, they are linked to a vascular system in the fingertips, connected to blood and bones via ligaments under the skin. The part of the nail that can be seen is made up of dead cells, which is why cutting your nails is painless. However, a layer of skin under the nails has sensory nerve endings. The nail root, or matrix, is a living structure that produces living cells, which move outward from the nail root to the nail plate, where they harden to form the tough shield of the nail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What are nails made of? | A tough, dead substance called keratin, a hard protein also found in hair and skin. |
| How do nails form? | Nails start growing under the skin as living cells. As new cells grow, they push old ones through the skin, which then flatten and harden to form the tough shield of the nail plate. |
| Are nails dead? | Nails are not dead, but they contain dead cells. |
| What is the purpose of nails? | Nails protect the fingertip and surrounding soft tissues from injuries. They also enhance precise delicate movements of the fingers through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. |
| How fast do nails grow? | Fingernails grow at a rate of about 3.5mm per month, while toenails grow at a rate of about 1.6mm per month. |
| What factors influence nail growth? | Nutrition, nail care, and overall health can affect nail growth rate. |
| How are nails connected to the body? | Nails are linked to a richly vascular system in the fingertips, including blood vessels, soft tissue, cellular activity, and ligaments. |
| What do nails indicate about health? | The appearance of nails can indicate illness, nutrient deficiencies, drug reactions, poisoning, or local injury. Nail growth records can also be used as a diagnostic tool. |
| How can nails be cared for? | Keep nails clean, use gentle nail products, clip and file regularly, eat a nutritious diet, and avoid smoking and drinking. |
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What You'll Learn
Nails are made of dead cells, not dead tissue
Our nails are made of dead cells, not dead tissue. They are a tough plate of hardened cells protruding from our finger and toe ends. The part of the nail that we can see is made of dead cells, which is why it doesn't hurt when we cut our nails.
Nails are made of a tough, dead substance called keratin, a hard protein that is also found in our hair and skin. Keratin forms the cells of our hair and skin, and also forms cells that are a key part of many glands and that line internal organs. Nails are made of alpha-keratin, a polymer also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates.
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.
Nails are linked to a vascular system in our fingertips, which includes blood vessels, soft tissue, and ligaments. This is why the health of the bones in our skeleton influences the nail mineral content.
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Nails protect fingers from injury
While nails are made of dead cells, they are linked to a vascular system in your fingertips. They are connected to your bones via ligaments under the skin. This is why the health of your bones influences your nail mineral content. Nails are made of dead keratin, a hard protein, and they start growing under your skin. As new cells grow, they push old ones through your skin.
To treat a nail injury, you can apply ice inside a cloth for 20 minutes every two hours on the first day, then three to four times a day after that. You can also take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and swelling. For more serious injuries, you may need to go to an urgent care center or the emergency room.
To prevent nail injuries, it is recommended to keep your nails short so they do not bend or catch on objects. Additionally, wearing the proper gear, such as gloves, can protect your nails while playing sports or engaging in other activities.
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Nails are linked to blood and bone
While the part of the nail that is visible is made up of dead cells, the nails themselves are very much alive. They are linked to a vascular environment of blood vessels, soft tissue, cellular activity, and ligaments.
The nail plate, which is the hard, protective outer layer of the nail, is strongly attached to the nail bed. The nail bed contains nerves, lymph, and tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Blood flowing through the capillaries helps nails grow and gives them their pinkish colour.
The nail matrix, or the germinal matrix, is the active tissue that generates cells. It is the part of the nail bed that is beneath the nail plate and produces the cells that become the nail plate. The cells harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate.
The health of the bones in the skeleton influences the nail mineral content. The underlying bone is a virtual mould of the overlying nail structure and therefore has the same shape as the nail. The growth rate of nails is related to the length of the terminal phalanges (outermost finger bones). Thus, the shape and growth rate of nails is linked to the underlying bone structure.
Additionally, the mineral composition of the nail plates might be a suitable adjunct to bone densitometry to monitor bone health. For example, Raman spectroscopy has been used to detect changes in protein composition and structure in nails, which may be associated with the development of osteoporosis. Higher peak intensities at 510 cm-1 have been reported for healthy nails compared to osteoporotic patients, indicating more cysteine and S-S bonds.
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Nails can indicate health status
While nails are made of dead cells, they are linked to a vascular system in your fingertips. This means that they can provide clues about your health status.
The colour and texture of your nails can indicate underlying health issues. For example, very pale nails could be a sign of anaemia, congestive heart failure, or liver disease. Thick, yellow nails can be a symptom of lung disease, limb swelling, or respiratory issues. If your nails are dry, cracked, or brittle, this could be caused by a poor diet or a deficiency in iron or thyroid hormones.
Nail shape can also be indicative of health problems. Curved or "clubbed" nails, for instance, can be a sign of lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, or liver disease. "Spoon" nails, which are very thin and concave in shape, are usually a sign of iron deficiency anaemia.
Horizontal ridges on the nails, also known as Beau's lines, indicate a pause in nail growth and could be related to a health issue. Causes include high fever, vitamin deficiency, injury, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or chemotherapy.
It is important to note that while nails can provide some indication of health status, they are not always a cause for concern. Many nail issues are common and often resolve on their own or with home treatments.
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Nails are made of alpha-keratin, a tough, rigid protein
While nails may appear lifeless, they are not dead. They contain dead cells, but are linked to a vascular system in the fingertips. This is why nails have a pinkish colour. The visible part of the nail is made up of dead cells, which is why cutting your nails does not hurt.
The nail matrix is the area where nail growth begins and plays a crucial role in keratin production. This region contains specialised cells that continuously divide and produce keratinocytes, the building blocks of keratin. Keratin production is a dynamic process that ensures nail growth and renewal. The structure and appearance of nails are determined by the amount and arrangement of keratin within them.
Nails are composed of various components, including amino acids (keratin), lipids, minerals, and water. The presence of alpha-keratin in nails provides strength and hardness, contributing significantly to their resilience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes and no. The part of the nail that we can see is made of dead cells, but the nail as a whole is connected to a vascular system of blood vessels, soft tissue, and cellular activity.
Finger nails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in hair, claws, hooves, and horns.
Finger nails protect the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. They also enhance precise delicate movements of the fingers through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger.
Finger nails grow at a rate of about 3.5mm per month.
If you lose a finger nail, it should grow back in about six months.
