Liam Carter
The human nail is a protective plate found at the tip of fingers and toes, corresponding to claws in other animals. It is made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in hair. The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed below it. The nail plate, or nail body, is the hard, outer part of the nail, made of several layers of dead, compacted cells. The nail bed is a specialised form of skin epithelium, with the same four layers as the epidermis of the skin. 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 nail is attached to the nail bed, and the two separate at the tip of the finger or toe. This allows us to use our nails as tools, for example, for scratching or pulling out a splinter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a nail? | A protective plate found at the tip of the digits (fingers and toes) of all primates, corresponding to the claws in other tetrapod animals. |
| What is it made of? | A tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, a polymer also found in the hair, claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. |
| What is the nail plate? | The visible hard nail area from the nail root to the free edge, made of translucent keratin protein. |
| How many layers of keratin cells are there in the nail plate? | The average person has 50 layers of keratin cells that make up the nail plate. |
| What is the nail matrix? | The active tissue (or germinal matrix) that generates cells. The cells harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. |
| What is the nail bed? | A specialized form of skin epithelium, with the same four layers as the epidermis of the skin. The nail bed is located beneath the nail and contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. |
| What is the cuticle? | A thin layer of skin that grows over the nail at the proximal nail fold. |
| What is the lunula? | A bluish-white, opaque area that is visible through the nail plate. This area is the front part of the nail matrix and is sometimes called the "moon." |
| What is the function of a healthy fingernail? | To protect the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries, and to enhance precise delicate movements of the distal digits. |
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What You'll Learn
The nail plate is made of translucent keratin protein
The nail plate, also known as the nail body or corpus unguis, is the hard, translucent structure that sits on the upper surface of the tip of each finger and toe. It is made of keratin protein, specifically a tough rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. The nail plate is the part of the nail that is visible, extending from the nail root to the free edge. It is composed of several layers of dead, compacted cells, which give the nail its strength and flexibility. The shape of the nail plate is determined by the form of the underlying bone, with the width and thickness influenced by the size, length, and thickness of the nail matrix.
The nail plate is formed through the constant production of new keratin by the nail matrix. As the matrix generates cells, they harden and move outward from the nail root to the nail plate, causing the nail to grow. The nail matrix, also known as the matrix unguis, keratogenous membrane, or onychostroma, is the active tissue located beneath the nail that contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. It is protected by the eponychium, a layer of skin that extends from the lateral nail folds on either side of the nail.
The nail plate is an important structure that serves multiple functions. Firstly, it protects the distal phalanx, fingertip, and surrounding soft tissues from injuries. Secondly, it enhances delicate movements of the distal digits by exerting counter-pressure on the pulp of the finger. This allows for an extended precision grip, enabling actions such as pulling out a splinter. Finally, the nail plate plays a role in the sense of touch, acting as a counter-force when the end of the finger touches an object and thereby increasing the sensitivity of the fingertip.
The health of the nail plate can be influenced by dietary factors. For example, a lack of omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to dry and brittle nails, while low dietary protein intake can lead to anemia and affect the colour of the nail bed. Essential fatty acids and iron are important for maintaining healthy nails, and splitting and flaking of nails may be due to a deficiency in linoleic acid. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the nail plate is crucial for proper nail care and maintenance.
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The nail bed is a specialised form of skin epithelium
The nail plate, or nail body, is the hard nail area from the nail root to the free edge, made of translucent keratin protein. The nail root is also known as the nail groove, and it extends deep into the dermis at the proximal end. The proximal end is the only living part of a nail. The nail plate is made up of several layers of dead, compacted cells, which cause the nail to be both strong and flexible. The transverse shape of the nail is determined by the form of the underlying bone.
The nail matrix is the active tissue that generates cells. The nail matrix is also known as the matrix unguis, keratogenous membrane, or onychostroma. It is the part of the nail bed that is beneath the nail and contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. The cells produced by the nail matrix 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 cuticle is a thin layer of skin that grows over the nail. The cuticle should not be confused with the eponychium, which is the seal between the nail plate and the hyponychium. The hyponychium is the epithelium located beneath the nail plate at the junction between the free edge and the skin of the fingertip. It forms a seal that protects the nail bed.
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The cuticle is a thin layer of skin that grows over the nail
The cuticle is an important part of nail anatomy, and it is crucial to know about it if you are a home manicurist or are seeking the services of a nail professional. It is dangerous to cut the cuticle because it protects the nail matrix, where nail cells are created. Instead of cutting it, the cuticle should be gently scraped off with a spoon-shaped remover or curette.
The nail itself is a protective plate that grows out from the nail bed, which is a specialised form of skin epithelium. The nail bed has the same four layers as the epidermis of the skin, with the nail plate being analogous to the stratum corneum layer. The nail plate is made up of tightly packed, hard, keratinised epidermal cells. Keratin is a tough, rigid protein that is also found in hair and the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates.
The nail has multiple functions, including protecting the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. It also enhances the ability to pick up items and serves as a tool for scratching, pulling, cutting, or scraping. The nail is attached firmly to the nail bed, and the two separate at the tip of the finger or toe, allowing the nail to be used as a tool.
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The lunula is the front part of the nail matrix
The lunula is a delicate part of the nail structure, and damaging it will permanently deform the nail. Even when the entire nail is removed, the lunula remains in place. The lunula is not actually white, but it appears so when viewed through the nail. This is due to the reflection of light at the point where the nail matrix and nail bed meet.
The nail matrix is the actively growing tissue that generates cells, which harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. The nail plate, or nail body, is the hard, visible part of the nail, made of translucent keratin protein. The nail matrix is also known as the matrix unguis, keratogenous membrane, or onychostroma. 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, and its size, length, and thickness determine the width and thickness of the nail plate.
The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, to which the plate is strongly attached. The nail bed is highly innervated, and removal of the nail plate is often excruciatingly painful as a result. The nail bed is made of two types of tissues: the dermis and the epidermis. The epidermis is attached to the dermis by tiny longitudinal "grooves" called matrix crests (cristae matricis unguis).
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Nails protect fingertips and enhance ability to pick up items
The human nail is a protective plate found at the tip of the fingers and toes, corresponding to claws in other animals. Nails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in hair and animal structures like claws, hooves, and horns. The structure of nails, with several layers of dead, compacted cells, makes them strong yet flexible.
Nails play a crucial role in protecting the fingertips and enhancing our ability to pick up items. Firstly, they act as a protective shield, safeguarding the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. This protective function is especially important in preventing infections, as the hard surface of nails creates a barrier against pathogens.
Secondly, nails enhance our ability to manipulate and pick up objects. They improve grip and provide stability when holding or grasping items. This is achieved through the counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger when it touches an object, resulting in enhanced sensitivity at the fingertip.
Additionally, nails serve as tools, enabling what is known as an "extended precision grip." For example, they allow us to perform tasks requiring dexterity, such as pulling out a splinter, typing, or playing a musical instrument.
The presence of nails has been advantageous to humans, providing better precision and control compared to sharp claws. The combination of broad fingertips supported by nails has further improved our grip strength and fine motor skills, contributing to the success of our species.
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Frequently asked questions
This thin layer of skin is called the cuticle.
The cuticle forms a seal that protects the nail bed from pathogens.
The nail bed is the layer of skin beneath the nail. It has the same four layers as the epidermis of the skin.
The nail is made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in hair.
Fingernails protect the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. They also aid in precise delicate movements of the distal digits and enhance the sensitivity of the fingertip.
