Ava Monroe
The nail is a protective plate found at the tip of the digits (fingers and toes) of primates, corresponding to the claws in other animals. The nail plate, or the actual fingernail, is made of a tough rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in hair and skin. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, and it contains blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes that produce melanin. The nail matrix is the active tissue that generates new cells, which harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. The nail is connected to the nail bed and is separated at the tip of the finger or toe, allowing us to use our nails as tools. The growth rate of nails is related to the length of the outermost finger bones, with fingernails growing faster than toenails and the index finger growing faster than the little finger.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What nails are made of | A tough rigid protein called alpha-keratin |
| What is the function of nails | Protection against infections or injury, improving sensation and dexterity, and adding functional ability (like scratching) |
| How fast do fingernails grow | 3 to 3.5 millimeters per month |
| How fast do toenails grow | 1.6 millimeters per month |
| What is the nail bed | The skin beneath the nail plate |
| 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 cuticle | A semi-circular layer of almost invisible dead skin cells that cover the back of the visible nail plate |
| What is onycholysis | When a nail on your fingers or toes separates from the skin on which it rests (the nail bed) |
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What You'll Learn
The nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed
The nail plate, also known as the corpus unguis or nail body, is the hard, translucent keratin protein that makes up the visible part of the nail. It is about half a millimeter thick and slightly curved. The nail plate is made of several layers of dead, compacted cells, which give it strength and flexibility. The width and thickness of the nail plate are determined by the size, length, and thickness of the matrix, while the shape of the fingertip bone determines whether the nail plate is flat, arched, or hooked.
The nail matrix, or matrix unguis, is the active tissue or germinal matrix that generates new cells. These cells are made of keratin and gather at the nail plate, slowly pushing the nail forward and causing it to grow. The nail matrix is the part of the nail bed that is beneath the nail and contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. It is responsible for about 90% of nail growth, with the remaining 10% contributed by the sterile matrix. The nail matrix is essential for healthy nails, and injuries or health conditions can damage it and interfere with nail growth.
The nail bed, or sterile matrix, lies underneath the nail plate, attaching it to the distal phalanx. It provides a smooth surface for the growing nail plate to slide over. The nail bed is made of two types of tissues: the dermis and the epidermis. The epidermis attaches to the dermis through tiny longitudinal "grooves" called matrix crests (cristae matricis unguis). The nail bed is highly innervated, and removing the nail plate can be extremely painful as a result.
The nail plate, nail matrix, and nail bed work together to form and support the nail unit. The nail unit has two main functions: protection from trauma and assisting with tactile sensation.
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The role of the cuticle
The nail is firmly attached to the nail bed beneath it. The nail and nail bed separate at the tip of the finger or toe, where the end of the nail sticks out. This separation allows us to use our nails as tools, for instance, for scratching. The nails are also an important part of the sense of touch. The skin bordering the lower end of the nail is called the proximal nail fold. A thin layer of skin, known as the cuticle, grows over the nail here.
The cuticle is a semi-circular layer of almost invisible dead skin cells that cover the back of the visible nail plate. Together with the eponychium, the cuticle forms a protective seal. The eponychium is the thickened epithelium that covers the nail root and generates the hard keratin that makes up the nail plate. The cuticle and eponychium protect the nail bed, which is the skin beneath the nail plate. The nail bed contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels, which supply nourishment to the entire nail unit.
The cuticle is important as it helps to prevent the nail from peeling away from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis. Onycholysis can be caused by various factors, including injuries, fungal infections, and reactions to chemicals such as nail polish, nail hardener, or nail polish remover. It can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as iron deficiency or hyperthyroidism. Onycholysis is generally not painful, but it can be contagious if caused by a fungal infection.
The cuticle also contributes to the overall appearance of the nail. It forms a smooth transition between the skin and the nail plate, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of well-maintained nails. Proper cuticle care is essential for maintaining healthy and attractive nails. This includes regular moisturization and gentle pushing back of the cuticle to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.
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How nails grow
The nail is firmly attached to the nail bed beneath it. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, and it is the area of the nail on which the nail plate rests. The nail plate is the actual fingernail or toenail and is made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin. Keratin is a protective protein found in nails, hair, and skin that guards against infection. The pinkish appearance of the nail comes from the blood vessels that are underneath it. The nail bed contains nerves, blood vessels, and melanocytes that produce melanin.
The nail matrix is the active tissue that generates new keratin, which gathers at the nail plate and slowly pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow. The cells harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. The width and thickness of the nail plate are determined by the size, length, and thickness of the matrix. The lunula, or "small moon," is the whitish, crescent-shaped base of the visible nail where the nail matrix and nail bed meet.
Fingernails and toenails are constantly growing, but their growth rate slows with poor circulation and aging. The growth rate also varies between fingers and toes, with toenails growing about half as fast as fingernails. In humans, the nail of the index finger grows faster than that of the little finger. The actual growth rate depends on age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors.
Onycholysis is a condition in which the nail separates from the nail bed. It is caused by various factors, including injuries to the nail, fungal infections, and reactions to chemicals in nail products.
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Nails and their connection to the sense of touch
The nail is a protective plate found at the tip of the fingers and toes of all primates, corresponding to the claws in other tetrapod animals. The nail plate, or the actual fingernail, is made of a tough rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. Keratin is also a protective protein found in hair and skin that guards against infection. The pinkish appearance of the nail comes from the blood vessels that lie underneath it.
The nail is firmly attached to the nail bed beneath it, and the two separate at the tip of the finger or toe, allowing us to use our nails as tools, for example, for scratching. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, and it is the area on which the nail plate rests. The nail bed contains nerves, blood vessels, and melanocytes that produce melanin. The nail matrix is the active tissue that generates cells, and it is the part of the nail bed that is beneath the nail. The matrix constantly produces new keratin that gathers at the nail plate and slowly pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow. The lunula, or "small moon," is the whitish, crescent-shaped base of the visible nail where the nail matrix and nail bed meet.
The nail is an important part of the sense of touch. It acts as a counterforce when the end of the finger touches an object, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of the fingertip. 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. The nail also helps with precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger.
The health of the nail is important for its appearance and function. Onycholysis, or nail separation, occurs when the nail pulls away from the nail bed, usually due to injury or fungal infection. It can also be caused by an iron deficiency or hyperthyroidism. Manicures can also cause onycholysis due to the force applied to the nails during trimming, buffing, and polishing. Additionally, chemicals in nail products can cause onycholysis.
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Onycholysis (nail separation)
The nail is firmly attached to the nail bed beneath it. The nail and nail bed separate at the tip of the finger or toe, where the end of the nail sticks out. This separation allows us to use our nails as tools, for example, for scratching. The nails are also an important part of our sense of touch.
Onycholysis (on-uh-coll-uh-sis) is a common nail disorder in which the nail plate separates from the nail bed. It typically affects only one nail and lasts for several months or over a year. Nails affected by onycholysis may change colour to yellow, greenish, purple, white, or grey. The condition is usually painless but can be painful if acute or inflammatory. It is generally not harmful, but it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Onycholysis can be caused by various factors, including trauma or injury to the nail or nail matrix, reactions to chemicals or medications, fungal infections, and skin diseases. It can also be caused by an iron deficiency or hyperthyroidism. Determining the underlying cause of onycholysis is crucial for effective treatment.
The treatment for onycholysis aims to prevent further separation and promote new nail growth that remains attached to the nail bed. This includes keeping the nails short and avoiding activities that traumatise the nail and nail bed. In some cases, antimicrobial soaks or topical treatments may be recommended to prevent secondary infections. If onycholysis is caused by an underlying condition, such as a thyroid issue or vitamin deficiency, addressing that condition is essential for resolving the nail separation.
While onycholysis itself is not harmful, it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to your nails and consult a healthcare provider if you notice any changes or abnormalities.
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Frequently asked questions
The nail plate is made of a hard substance called keratin, a type of protein found in nails, hair, and skin.
The nail matrix (or germinal matrix) is the living part of the nail that produces new cells, which harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate on which the nail rests. As the root grows, the nail adds material to its underside, making it thicker.
The nail protects the fingertip and surrounding soft tissues from injuries. It also helps with precise delicate movements of the fingers through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. The nail acts as a tool, for example, for scratching or pulling out a splinter.
Onycholysis is when a nail separates from the skin on which it rests (the nail bed). It is common and usually affects only one nail. It can be caused by injuries to the nail, fungal infections, reactions to chemicals, or iron deficiency.
