Nail Growth: Exploring The Depth Of Our Fingernails

The nail matrix is the part of the nail that grows. It is located under the base portion of the fingernail and is made of special cells whose main job is to make new fingernails or toenails.

Nail matrix - special cells that make new fingernails

The nail matrix is the area where your fingernails and toenails start to grow. It is located at the base of the nail, and produces 196 layers of cells that combine to make each of your fingernails and toenails. The nail matrix is constantly making new nail cells, unlike your hair follicles, which go through periods of rest.

The nail matrix is made of special cells whose main job is to make new fingernails or toenails. The nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. About 90% of your nail growth comes from your germinal matrix. The nail matrix creates new cells that become your fingernails or toenails. As new nail plate cells are made, they push older nail plate cells forward and in this way older cells become compressed, flat, and translucent.

The nail matrix is the most important structure within the nail unit. This is where new nail plate cells are created and as these new cells are created, older cells are pushed forward and the nail plate grows. The size and shape of the matrix exert a profound influence on the characteristics of the nail. The shape and size of the matrix determine the thickness and width of the nail. The longer the nail matrix, the thicker the nail, and vice versa. A larger and wider matrix corresponds to a thicker nail, while a smaller matrix leads to a comparatively thinner nail.

The nail matrix will continue to produce cells as long as it receives nutrition and remains in a healthy condition. As new nail plate cells are made, they push older nail plate cells forward; and in this way, older cells become compressed, flat, and translucent. This makes the capillaries in the nail bed below visible, resulting in a pink color. The lunula ("small moon") is the visible part of the matrix, the whitish crescent-shaped base of the visible nail. The lunula can best be seen in the thumb and may not be visible in the little finger. The lunula appears white due to a reflection of light at the point where the nail matrix and nail bed meet.

Keratin - protein that makes up nails

The nail matrix is what's under the base portion of your fingernail, where the cuticle is. The cells in the nail matrix manufacture a protein called keratin, which is what makes up your nails. As the proteins build up on top of the matrix, new ones push the older ones forward and out, which is what causes the nail to grow. The forward portion of skin under the nail is the nail bed. This part doesn't grow new nail, only the matrix, which is farther back.

Keratin is a structural protein that is essential for the structure and function of the nails. It is a type of protein that is produced by the cells in the nail matrix and is responsible for the hardness and strength of the nails. The nail matrix is made of special cells whose main job is to make new fingernails or toenails. Each nail matrix produces 196 layers of cells that combine to make each of your fingernails and toenails.

The nail matrix is constantly making new nail cells, unlike your hair follicles, which go through periods of rest. The nail matrix is rarely permanently damaged, preventing your nail from growing back. But if this happens, ask your provider if you should protect your finger or toe during physical activity. Over time, you’ll likely get used to your nail being gone.

Keratin is a structural protein that is essential for the structure and function of the nails. It is a type of protein that is produced by the cells in the nail matrix and is responsible for the hardness and strength of the nails. The nail matrix is made of special cells whose main job is to make new fingernails or toenails. Each nail matrix produces 196 layers of cells that combine to make each of your fingernails and toenails.

Nail bed - skin under the nail

The nail matrix is what's under the base portion of your fingernail, where the cuticle is. The cells in the nail matrix manufacture a protein called keratin, which is what makes up your nails. As the proteins build up on top of the matrix, new ones push the older ones forward and out, which is what causes the nail to grow. The forward portion of skin under the nail is the nail bed. This part doesn't grow new nail, only the matrix, which is farther back.

The nail matrix is made of special cells whose main job is to make new fingernails or toenails. Each nail matrix produces 196 layers of cells that combine to make each of your fingernails and toenails. Each nail matrix is constantly making new nail cells, unlike your hair follicles, which go through periods of rest.

The nail bed is the forward portion of skin under the nail. This part doesn't grow new nail, only the matrix, which is farther back.

The nail matrix is rare for your nail matrix to be permanently damaged, preventing your nail from growing back. But if this happens, ask your provider if you should protect your finger or toe during physical activity. Over time, you’ll likely get used to your nail being gone.

Tactile sensation - pressure helps nerve cells activate

The nail matrix is what's under the base portion of your fingernail, where the cuticle is. The cells in the nail matrix manufacture a protein called keratin, which is what makes up your nails. As the proteins build up on top of the matrix, new ones push the older ones forward and out, which is what causes the nail to grow. The forward portion of skin under the nail is the nail bed. This part doesn't grow new nail, only the matrix, which is farther back.

Fingernails and toe nails help us with tactile sensation; when you touch something, the nail pushes back from the other side and the pressure helps the nerve cells activate.

The nail matrix is made of special cells whose main job is to make new fingernails or toenails. Each nail matrix produces 196 layers of cells that combine to make each of your fingernails and toenails. Each nail matrix is constantly making new nail cells, unlike your hair follicles, which go through periods of rest.

It’s rare for your nail matrix to be permanently damaged, preventing your nail from growing back. But if this happens, ask your provider if you should protect your finger or toe during physical activity. Over time, you’ll likely get used to your nail being gone.

Blood oxygen levels - nail can measure them

The nail matrix is what's under the base portion of your fingernail, where the cuticle is. The cells in the nail matrix manufacture a protein called keratin, which is what makes up your nails. As the proteins build up on top of the matrix, new ones push the older ones forward and out, which is what causes the nail to grow. The forward portion of skin under the nail is the nail bed. This part doesn't grow new nail, only the matrix, which is farther back.

The nail matrix is made of special cells whose main job is to make new fingernails or toenails. Each nail matrix produces 196 layers of cells that combine to make each of your fingernails and toenails. Each nail matrix is constantly making new nail cells, unlike your hair follicles, which go through periods of rest.

Fingernails and toenails help us with tactile sensation; when you touch something, the nail pushes back from the other side and the pressure helps the nerve cells activate. I imagine this doesn't help much with toenails, as humans usually don't rely on their feet for touch, and as stated this can actually be bad if you're a long-distance runner.

You can test digital circulation by pressing down and releasing your nail.

It’s rare for your nail matrix to be permanently damaged, preventing your nail from growing back. But if this happens, ask your provider if you should protect your finger or toe during physical activity. Over time, you’ll likely get used to your nail being gone.

Frequently asked questions