Noah Sinclair
Did you know that your nails are made up of the same stuff as claws, hooves, and talons? They're all made of a protein called keratin. Nails grow out of a deep groove in the dermis layer of the skin, pushed forward by new cells forming behind them. The growth occurs at the nail's base, which is made up of two parts: the nail root, which determines length, and the nail bed, which determines thickness. The nail root is also where the nail matrix or germinal matrix lies, responsible for most of the nail's growth. As the nail grows, it streams down along the nail bed, adding material to its underside to make it thicker. The nail bed contains blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes that produce melanin. The whitish, crescent-moon-shaped part of the nail is called the lunula.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Part of the nail that grows | The nail root |
| Percentage of nail growth attributed to the nail root | 80% |
| Remaining part of the nail responsible for growth | Nail bed |
| Percentage of nail growth attributed to the nail bed | 20% |
| Average growth of a healthy person's fingernails | 3 to 3.5 millimeters per month |
| Part of the nail root that appears as a visible white crescent | Lunula |
| Tissue that produces the cuticle | Eponychium |
| Area between the free edge of the nail plate and the skin of the fingertip | Hyponychium |
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What You'll Learn
The role of the nail root
The nail root plays a significant role in nail formation, health, and restoration. It is the base of the nail underneath the skin, originating from the actively growing tissue known as the matrix. The matrix, or germinal matrix, is responsible for most of a nail's growth, as it is where new cells grow and advance forward to form the nail plate. The nail root contributes to about 80% of the nail's length, while the remaining 20% comes from the nail bed, which determines the nail's thickness.
The nail root is essential for nail health and can be an indicator of overall health. Changes in nail colour, shape, or growth rate can signal underlying medical conditions such as anaemia, liver disease, or diabetes. Infections, injuries, and underlying health conditions can affect the nail root, leading to abnormalities in the nail. For example, bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections can cause nail discolouration, thickening, or deformation. Physical injuries to the nail root can interrupt nail formation, resulting in flaws such as ridges or white spots.
The nail root is closely associated with the nail matrix, which is the active tissue that generates cells. The nail matrix is made up of germinal matrix cells that divide and differentiate into nail cells. As new nail plate cells are formed, they push older cells forward, causing them to become compressed, flat, and translucent. The nail matrix will continue to produce cells as long as it remains healthy and receives proper nutrition.
The health of the nail root is crucial for nail growth and overall nail appearance. Minor damage to the nail root or matrix can temporarily change the nail's appearance, and severe injuries can even cause the nail to fall off. Proper care is essential for the healing of the nail root and matrix, and in some cases, the nail may not regrow after severe damage. Understanding potential problems with the nail root is important for maintaining nail health and spotting issues early on.
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The nail bed and its function
The nail bed is a specialised structure on the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) that contains blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes that produce melanin. It extends from the edge of the nail root, or lunula, to the tissue known as the hyponychium. The hyponychium is a specialised structure that contains white blood cells that help prevent infections.
The nail bed is responsible for approximately 20% of nail growth, contributing to the thickness of the nail. As the root grows, the nail streams down along the nail bed and adds material to the underside of the nail. The nail bed supplies the nail plate with necessary nutrients, which is why it is also referred to as the sterile matrix.
The nail bed contains blood vessels that provide a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to the nail plate. This is achieved through the blood plasma, which contains water that is efficient at absorbing gases, including oxygen and nutrients. As the cells in the nail bed consume oxygen and deposit carbon dioxide, the blood vessels ensure a constant supply of oxygenated blood and the removal of carbon dioxide.
The nail bed is essential for nail growth and health. When the nail grows properly, the nail bed is smooth, indicating healthy nail growth. However, if the nail does not grow correctly, the nail bed may become uneven, leading to nail splitting or the development of ridges.
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The lunula
However, it is important to remember that everyone's lunulae are different and that subtle changes in their appearance are usually not a cause for concern unless other symptoms are present.
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How nails grow outwards and upwards
The growth of nails is a complex process that involves various structures and functions. Nails grow outwards and upwards due to the presence of a small pocket under the skin called the nail matrix or nail root. This matrix is responsible for producing new cells that push the older ones forward, causing the nail to lengthen and thicken. The nail root contributes about 80% to the length of the nail, while the nail bed determines the remaining 20% of its thickness.
The nail matrix lies beneath the skin, at the inner edge of the nail plate, and is essential for nail growth. It produces new cells that move towards the outer edge of the nail, causing it to extend outward. The nail bed, extending from the edge of the nail root to the hyponychium, contains blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes that produce melanin. Together, the nail root and nail bed contribute to the overall growth and structure of the nail.
The visible white crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail plate is called the lunula and is part of the nail matrix. The cuticle, a thin tissue found at the base of the nail plate, provides a waterproof barrier and protects the area where the nail emerges from the finger. The skin grooves that hold the nail plate in place are called nail folds, and they help to secure the nail as it grows outward.
While nails typically grow outward, there are instances where toenails may exhibit upward growth. This upward growth could be hereditary or influenced by external factors such as tight shoes or profuse foot sweating. In some cases, upward-growing toenails may indicate underlying medical conditions such as onychogryphosis, nail patella syndrome (NPS), or koilonychia. These conditions can cause nails to thicken, curve, or take on a concave appearance.
Maintaining proper nail hygiene and care is important, especially for upward-growing toenails, which tend to rip more easily, increasing the risk of infection. Regular trimming, cleaning, and moisturizing can help prevent nail issues and promote healthy nail growth.
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The hyponychium
In some cases, the hyponychium may thicken or become discoloured, indicating a potential infection or underlying condition. Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU) is an uncommon condition where the hyponychium attaches to the underside of the nail as it grows, leading to overgrowth of the skin under the fingernail. Nail psoriasis and fungal infections can also cause skin cell accumulation and thickening of the hyponychium. Certain manicure procedures, such as gel manicures, acrylic nails, and exposure to harsh chemicals, may contribute to hyponychium overgrowth.
To prevent and treat hyponychium thickening, it is recommended to avoid manicure procedures that may cause it, maintain good nail hygiene by regularly cleaning the nail area, and consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment if necessary. Keeping nails trimmed with clean, sharp clippers or scissors and rounding the tips can also help reduce the risk of accidental damage to the hyponychium.
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Frequently asked questions
A nail is a platelike, keratinous, translucent structure that consists of highly specialized epithelial cells.
About 80% of nail plate growth comes from the germinal matrix, which causes the nail to get longer. The remaining 20% comes from the nail bed, causing the nail to get thicker. As the root grows, the nail streams down along the nail bed and adds material to its underside.
The nail matrix lies beneath the skin, at the inner edge of the nail plate, and is responsible for most of a nail's growth. It's where new cells grow and then advance forward to form the nail, until it reaches the outer edge and ultimately is removed.
