Sophia Delgado
Nails are protective plates found at the tip of the digits (fingers and toes) of primates, corresponding to claws in other animals. They are made of a tough protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in hair and skin. The growth of nails occurs at the nail's base, where new cells are pushed forward as older cells flatten and harden, moving outward from the nail root to the nail plate. This process is facilitated by the nail matrix, the active tissue that generates these cells, and the nail bed, which provides necessary nutrients and contributes to the nail's pinkish colour. While nails are constantly growing, their growth rate can slow due to factors such as poor circulation, aging, and nutrient deficiencies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What nails are made of | A tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin |
| Where nails are found in the body | At the tip of the digits (fingers and toes) |
| What nails correspond to in other animals | Claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates |
| The three main parts of a nail | The nail itself, the underlying structure that supports nail growth, and the skin tissue that surrounds it |
| What the nail plate is made of | Translucent keratin protein |
| What gives nails their pinkish appearance | Blood vessels underneath the nail plate |
| The growth rate of fingernails | About one-tenth of an inch (2.5 millimeters) each month |
| The growth rate of toenails | Slower than that of fingernails |
| Factors that affect nail growth | Poor circulation, aging, vitamin deficiencies, and health conditions |
| Conditions that can affect nail health | Fungal infections, melanoma, clubbing, peripheral artery disease, eczema, psoriasis, and more |
| How to care for nails | Trim them regularly, moisturize nails and cuticles, and seek medical care for injuries or infections |
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What You'll Learn
The nail matrix is the 'factory' where new nails are made
The nail matrix is the "factory" where new nails are made. It is the part of the nail bed that lies beneath the nail and contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. The matrix produces cells that become the nail plate, which is the visible hard nail area from the nail root to the free edge.
The nail matrix, also known as the matrix unguis, keratogenous membrane, or onychostroma, is made up of two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix is responsible for about 90% of nail growth, while the sterile matrix accounts for the remaining 10% of cells and plays a crucial role in keeping the nail attached to the underlying skin.
As the nail root grows, new cells are formed and pushed forward, causing the old cells to flatten and harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. This process results in the nail streaming down along the nail bed and adding material to its underside, making the nail thicker. The nail bed is richly vascularized and supplies the necessary nutrients to the nail plate.
Injuries, certain health conditions, and skin diseases can damage the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. For example, peripheral artery disease reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, affecting the nail matrix and slowing nail growth. Similarly, severe eczema can temporarily hinder nail growth and cause Beau's lines, pitting, and texture or colour changes. In most cases, with proper treatment, healthy nails will grow back, even if they fall off due to severe injury.
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Nail growth can be affected by illnesses, injuries, and medications
Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. The nail matrix is the part of the nail that generates cells, which harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. The nail matrix is also where the fingernails and toenails form, and it can be damaged by illnesses, injuries, and medications.
Illnesses such as heart attacks, COVID-19, or pneumonia can interrupt new nail growth and cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges in the nails). Other illnesses that can affect nail growth include nail psoriasis, fungal infections, and paronychia. Additionally, underlying illnesses such as iron deficiency can cause nails to break easily.
Injuries to the nail matrix, such as pinching or crushing the finger or dropping something heavy on the toe, can cause bruising, ridges, or discoloration. In severe cases, the nail may fall off. Local injuries to the nail can also cause onycholysis, where the nail separates from the nail bed.
Medications such as chemotherapy, retinoids, tetracyclines, and EGFR inhibitors can also affect nail health and growth. These medications have been known to cause Beau's lines, slow nail growth, Mees' lines (white bands across the nails), and nail color changes.
While nail abnormalities are common, affecting the shape, thickness, or color of nails, it is important to seek proper care and treatment for any concerns. With the right treatment, the nail matrix can heal, and nail growth can resume.
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Fingernails grow about 2.5mm each month
Fingernails are constantly growing at a rate of about 0.1 millimetres per day, or about 2.5mm per month. This growth rate differs from person to person and can be affected by age, finger length, hand dominance, season, exercise level, diet, hereditary factors, hormone levels, and overall health. For example, the growth rate is slower in people with certain medical conditions, such as those who are immunocompromised, paralysed, malnourished, or undergoing certain drug therapies.
The nails on your dominant hand and longer fingers tend to grow faster. Fingernails also grow faster during the day and in the summer. On average, the little finger grows the slowest.
The structure of a nail is divided into three main parts: the nail itself, the underlying structure that supports nail growth, and the surrounding skin tissue. The nail plate, or nail body, is the hard, outer part of the nail made of translucent keratin protein. The nail bed is the underlying, richly vascularised structure that supplies the plate with necessary nutrients. The nail matrix is the active tissue that generates cells, which harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate.
The health of your nails can be indicative of your overall health. Nutrient deficiencies, such as insufficient vitamin B12, vitamin A, or omega-3 fatty acids, can lead to nail discolouration, dryness, brittleness, or ridges. Certain health conditions, like fungal infections, can also affect the appearance of your nails.
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Toenails grow slower than fingernails
Nails are a protective plate found at the tip of the digits (fingers and toes) of almost all primates, corresponding to the claws in other tetrapod animals. They are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. Nails are constantly growing, but their growth rate slows with poor circulation and aging. The rate of growth varies between the fingers and toes, and even between different fingers.
Fingernails grow at an average rate of about 3.47 mm/month or 1/8 inch per month, whereas toenails grow at a rate of about 1.62 mm/month or 1/16 inch per month, i.e., about twice as slowly as fingernails. The growth rate of fingernails is also affected by the hand dominance of the individual, with nails on the dominant hand growing faster due to increased trauma and blood and nutrient supply to the nail bed.
The difference in growth rate between fingernails and toenails may be due to nail use and trauma. Fingernails serve several functions, including helping with gripping, scratching, grooming, and self-defense. Toenails, on the other hand, are less frequently used and are thus less prone to trauma. Additionally, toenails are often kept covered in socks and shoes, which may contribute to slower growth by reducing trauma and nutrient supply to the nail bed.
While the exact mechanism for the difference in growth rates between fingernails and toenails is not fully understood, it is clear that toenails grow significantly slower than their finger counterparts. This knowledge can be useful in maintaining nail health and addressing any nail-related concerns.
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The nail bed is the flat surface under the nails
When the nail grows properly, the nail bed is smooth. However, if the nail does not grow correctly, it may split or develop ridges. The nail bed is also susceptible to various abnormalities and conditions. For example, in onycholysis, the nails become loose and may detach from the nail bed. Certain infections, particularly those affecting the heart valve, can cause red streaks in the nail bed, known as splinter hemorrhages. Disorders that impact the amount of oxygen in the blood, such as heart or lung problems, can lead to clubbing, which is a change in the shape of the nail bed.
The size and shape of nail beds vary from person to person and are largely determined by genetics. While the size of the nail bed cannot be changed, there are ways to make them appear longer. For instance, letting your nails grow out will result in a longer white tip, which helps elongate the appearance of the nail bed. Pushing back the cuticles after soaking them in warm water can also give the illusion of a longer nail bed.
Healthcare providers sometimes use the fingernail beds as a quick indicator of distal tissue perfusion in individuals who may be dehydrated or in shock. This is done through the CRT or blanch test, where the fingernail bed is briefly depressed to turn the nail bed white. When the pressure is released, the normal pink colour should return within a second or two. A delayed return to the pink colour can indicate certain shock states, such as hypovolemia.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, a polymer also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates.
Nails start growing at the nail root, hidden under the cuticle. As new cells form, they push out the old nail cells, which flatten and harden to create the nail plate. The nail then slides along the nail bed, adding material to its underside to make it thicker.
The growth rate of nails varies between different fingers and toes, and it slows down due to poor circulation and aging. Nail growth can also be affected by vitamin deficiencies, health conditions, injuries, and medications.
