Ava Monroe
Fingernails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. The nail plate, or nail body, is made of translucent keratin protein and is the visible hard nail area from the nail root to the free edge. The nail matrix is the active tissue that generates cells, and the cells harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, containing nerves, lymph, and blood vessels that supply nourishment to the nail unit. The nail has several functions, including protecting the fingertip and enhancing precise delicate movements of the fingers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What are nails made of? | A tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, a polymer also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. |
| What is keratin? | A protective protein that forms the cells of hair, skin, and nails. |
| What is the nail plate? | The visible hard nail area from the nail root to the free edge, made of translucent keratin protein. |
| What is the nail matrix? | The active tissue (or germinal matrix) that generates cells. |
| What is the nail bed? | The skin beneath the nail plate. It contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. |
| What is the lunula? | The whitish crescent-shaped base of the visible nail. |
| What is the hyponychium? | The epithelium located beneath the nail plate at the junction between the free edge and the skin of the fingertip. |
| What is the onychodermal band? | The seal between the nail plate and the hyponychium. |
| What is the function of fingernails? | To protect the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. |
| How does nutrition affect nails? | A lack of protein, iron, biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and folic acid can lead to nail problems such as discoloration, thinning, thickening, brittleness, splitting, grooves, and spoon-shaped nail beds. |
| How does protein specifically affect nails? | Protein is the major building material for nails, and a lack of protein in the diet can affect the rate of nail growth and their strength. |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernails are made of a hardened protein called keratin
Our fingernails are made of a hardened protein called keratin. Keratin is also found in our hair and skin. It is the same material that makes up hooves, claws, and horns in animals. The formation of a nail begins inside a part of the fingertip called the nail root or nail bed. 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 root is located a couple of millimetres behind the cuticle of the finger and toenails. The cuticle is a thin, waterproof membrane that seals the nail plate to the fingertip. It acts as an important barrier to infections around the nail. The nail bed, distinct from the cuticle, should appear pink. This is because tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, sit under the nail bed. Blood flowing through the capillaries helps nails grow and gives them their pinkish colour.
Nails are made of dead keratin, which is a hard protein. Keratin protects nails from damage by making them strong and resilient. Nails may be dead, but they are linked to our blood and bones. A good diet with protein, biotin, and antioxidants like vitamin C can help keep nails strong. On the other hand, smoking and drinking can cause yellowed, flaky, and weak nails. Nails can also be affected by nutritional deficiencies, with low iron, protein, biotin, calcium, fatty acid, and vitamin B levels associated with nail thinning and breakage.
During pregnancy, women may experience changes in their nails, such as rapid nail growth or fragile fingernails prone to breakage.
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Keratin is also found in hair and skin
Fingernails are made up of a hardened protein called keratin. Keratin is also found in hair and skin. In fact, it is the key structural material that makes up hair, skin, nails, scales, feathers, horns, claws, hooves, and the outer layer of skin in vertebrates.
Keratin is a protective protein that is less prone to scratching or tearing than other types of cells your body produces. It forms the cells of your hair and skin, and it also forms cells that are a key part of many glands and that line internal organs. Keratin is also found in the slime threads of hagfish and the baleen plates of filter-feeding whales.
Keratin is the structural building block of hair, and it is believed that keratin supplements, products, and treatments can help strengthen hair and make it look healthier. Keratin treatments involve applying a cream containing formaldehyde to the hair before blow-drying and straightening it in a salon. The treatment is then set with another application, and it is claimed that it will last for 12 weeks. Keratin serums, shampoos, and conditioners are also available, which claim to make hair more damage-resistant and repair hair that has been dried out by heat and hair dye.
The keratin in hair is more flexible and elastic than the keratin in fingernails, hooves, and claws, which are harder and more homologous to their analogs in other vertebrate classes. The constituent proteins may be phylogenetically homologous, but they differ in chemical structure and supermolecular organization.
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Fingernails grow at 3.5mm per month
Fingernails are made of a hardened protein called keratin, which is also found in hair and skin. Keratin forms strong and resilient nails that protect our fingertips from damage. Interestingly, it is the same substance that makes up hooves, claws, and horns in animals.
Fingernails grow at an average rate of about 3.5mm per month or about a tenth of a millimeter per day. This growth rate can vary depending on several factors, including age, hormone levels, overall health, and even the time of year. For example, nails grow faster during the day and in the summer. The nails on your dominant hand and longer fingers also tend to grow faster.
As we age, our blood circulation slows down, which can cause our nails to grow more slowly. Hormones can also play a role in nail growth rates. For instance, during pregnancy, hormone changes can lead to rapid nail growth, while lactation may decrease nail growth. Puberty is another period of fluctuating hormones, and nail growth is said to peak during this time.
While fingernails grow relatively quickly, losing a fingernail can take up to six months for it to completely grow back. On the other hand, toenails, which grow at a slower rate of about 1.6mm per month, can take up to 18 months to regrow.
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Nails can reveal a lot about a person's health
Fingernails are made of a hardened protein called keratin, which is also found in hair and skin. They provide a protective shell for our fingertips and help us to judge how to hold things. But did you know that nails can also reveal a lot about a person's health?
Nails are extensions of the skin, and just like our skin, they can tell us a lot about what's going on inside our bodies. Changes in the colour, texture, or shape of nails can signal underlying health issues. For example, healthy nails are generally smooth and pink, whereas very pale nails can indicate illnesses such as anaemia, congestive heart failure, or liver disease. Anaemia can also cause nails to curve inwards and become thin and brittle, a condition known as koilonychia or "spoon nails".
White spots or flecks on the nails, known as leukonychia, are often associated with vitamin or mineral deficiencies. However, the evidence for this is mixed, and leukonychia is more commonly caused by nail trauma, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something on your foot. Nevertheless, white discolouration could suggest an underlying health issue, such as heavy metal poisoning with lead or arsenic.
Nails that are dry, cracked, or brittle are also a common issue, and this can be caused by swimming, frequent use of nail polish remover, or dishwashing without gloves. Chemicals and aging can also cause brittle nails, as can hypothyroidism, where the thyroid is underactive.
Horizontal ridges on the nails, called Beau's lines, indicate a pause in nail growth and could be related to health issues such as high fever, vitamin deficiency, injury, diabetes, or peripheral vascular disease. Vertical ridges, on the other hand, are usually harmless and may be age-related.
So, the next time you look at your nails, remember that they can provide valuable insights into your overall health and well-being.
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Nail health can be improved by diet and lifestyle changes
Fingernails are made of a protein called keratin, which also forms the cells of hair and skin. Nail health is often an indicator of nutritional intake and digestion. A healthy diet and lifestyle changes can help improve nail health and address common nail issues such as brittle, weak, and peeling nails.
A well-rounded diet that includes a variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can provide the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for nail health. Eating lean meats like chicken and turkey can provide collagen and protein, which are crucial for nail health. Salmon and other fatty fish are excellent sources of healthy fats and omega-3s, promoting shiny and strong nails. For those following a plant-based diet, beans, legumes, tofu, and certain vegetables offer ample protein. Additionally, incorporating nuts, seeds, and avocados can provide essential healthy fats and magnesium, contributing to bone and nail health.
Hydration is critical for nail health. It is recommended to drink enough water throughout the day to keep the body and nails properly hydrated. Maintaining proper hydration supports nail growth and overall health.
Lifestyle changes can also impact nail health. For example, giving your nails a break from polish or other products allows them to breathe and grow. Moisturizing the nails and cuticles with lotion can help prevent dryness and maintain nail health. Additionally, addressing any underlying conditions or nutritional deficiencies, such as zinc or iron deficiencies, can improve nail health and address related issues.
While most nail problems are minor and can be treated at home, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if nail issues persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, as they may indicate an underlying condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, finger nails are made up of a hardened protein called keratin.
Keratin is a protein that forms the cells of hair and skin. It also forms cells that are a key part of many glands and line internal organs.
Keratin makes nails strong and resilient, protecting them from damage.
Nails are made up of the nail plate, nail bed, cuticle and matrix.
Consuming a good amount of protein and biotin can help keep nails strong. It is also important to keep nails clean, clip them regularly and wear rubber gloves when washing up to prevent nails from drying out and breaking.
