Sophia Delgado
Fingernails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of other vertebrates. The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed below it. 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 bed contains nerves, lymph, and tiny blood vessels that provide nourishment to the nail unit and give nails their pinkish colour. The part of the nail that is visible is made of several layers of dead, compacted cells, which make the nail strong and flexible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Hardened protein called alpha-keratin |
| Cells | Dead |
| Shape | Plate |
| Parts | Nail plate, nail matrix, nail bed, nail folds, cuticle |
| Nail Plate | Visible hard nail area from the nail root to the free edge |
| Nail Matrix | Active tissue that generates cells |
| Nail Bed | Skin beneath the nail plate |
| Nail Folds | Skin that supports and frames the nail on three sides |
| Cuticle | Layer of clear skin that overlaps and forms a rim at the base of the nail plate |
| Function | Protect the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries |
| Detect pressure changes and increase the sensitivity of fingertips | |
| Growth | Fingernails grow at a rate of about 2.5-3mm per month |
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What You'll Learn
Nails are made of a protein called keratin
Human nails are composed of a tough, hardened protein called keratin. This is the same material that forms the cells of human hair and skin. It is also found in animals, where it makes up hooves, claws, and horns.
Keratin is produced in the nail matrix, the area of the nail bed that is beneath the nail and contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. The matrix produces cells that become the nail plate, the hard nail area that is visible from the nail root to the free edge. As new cells are produced, they push older cells forward, causing the nail to grow. The older cells are compacted and flattened, taking the hardened, flattened form of the fingernail.
The nail plate is strongly attached to the nail bed and does not contain any nerves or blood vessels. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, where the nail rests. The nail bed sits on top of tiny blood vessels that feed it and give nails their pinkish colour. The capillaries in the nail bed are what cause the pink colour, as blood flows through them and is visible through the translucent nail plate.
The cuticle is the layer of clear skin that overlaps and forms a rim at the base of the nail plate. It is an important barrier to infections around the nail. The lunula, or "small moon", is the whitish crescent-shaped base of the visible nail. It is the visible part of the matrix and can be best seen in the thumb.
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Keratin is also found in hair and skin
Keratin is a structural fibrous protein that forms the cells of your hair, skin, and nails. It is a protective protein that is less prone to scratching or tearing than other types of cells produced by the body. Keratin is also found in the internal organs and glands, forming cells that are a key part of many glands and that line internal organs.
In hair, keratin is the structural building block that gives it strength and structure. The layers of cells, called the hair cuticle, absorb the keratin, resulting in hair that looks full and glossy. Keratin also makes curly hair less frizzy, easier to style, and straighter in appearance. The more flexible and elastic keratins of hair have fewer interchain disulfide bridges than the keratins in mammalian fingernails, which are harder. The constituent proteins of hair may differ in chemical structure and supermolecular organization.
Keratin is constantly shed and replaced in the outer, cornified layer of the epidermis, forming protective calluses. The evolutionary relationships of keratin are complex and only partially known. The silk fibroins produced by insects and spiders are often classified as keratins, though it is unclear whether they are phylogenetically related to vertebrate keratins.
Keratin is also found in the outer layer of skin in vertebrates, also known as the epidermis. It is present in epithelial cells, which are constantly shed and replaced. The harder beta-keratins are found only in the sauropsids, i.e., all living reptiles and birds.
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Fingernails protect the fingertip and soft tissues from injuries
Fingernails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in claws, hooves, and horns. The nail plate, the part of the nail that is visible, is made of several layers of dead, compacted cells that cause the nail to be strong and flexible. The nail plate is strongly attached to the nail bed, which does not contain any nerves or blood vessels. 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 fold is the skin that supports and frames the nail on three sides. The cuticle is a thin, waterproof membrane that seals the nail plate to the fingertip. It is an important barrier to infections around the nail. The hyponychium, or "quick", 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.
The fingertip is a complex anatomical structure that is frequently injured, especially in manual workers. Fingernails protect the fingertip and soft tissues from injuries. They also serve to enhance precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. The nail then acts as a counter-force when the end of the finger touches an object, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of the fingertip. Finally, the nail functions as a tool, enabling an "extended precision grip" and certain cutting or scraping actions, such as pulling out a splinter.
Treatment for a fingertip injury or amputation depends on the angle of the cut and the extent of the injury. The goal of treatment is to have a pain-free fingertip that is covered by healthy skin and functions normally. Doctors will try to preserve the length and appearance of the finger. Minor tissue injuries may heal on their own, but larger tissue injuries may require surgery to ensure healing.
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Nails are formed in the matrix
The nail matrix is the "factory" where new fingernails and toenails are formed. It is the most important structure within the nail unit, and a healthy nail matrix is essential for healthy nails. The nail matrix is located at the proximal nail fold, where the nail is tucked into a pouch in the skin. It is also known as the matrix unguis, keratogenous membrane, or onychostroma.
The nail matrix is made up of two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix is the active tissue that generates new nail plate cells, while the sterile matrix lies underneath the nail. The nail plate is the visible hard nail area from the nail root to the free edge, made of translucent keratin protein. The width and thickness of the nail plate are determined by the size, length, and thickness of the matrix. The longer the nail matrix, the thicker the nail, and vice versa.
The nail matrix constantly produces new keratin that gathers at the nail plate and slowly pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow. As new cells are produced, they push the older cells outward. The proximal area of the matrix is where the upper layers of the nail plate are formed, while the lower layers come from the distal end of the matrix. The cells start off slightly soft but then harden and fill with keratin as they age.
Maintaining the well-being of the nail matrix is crucial for the long-term health and vitality of the nails. Proper care and protection of the matrix can safeguard against potential damage and promote optimal nail growth. This includes practices that prioritize nail hygiene, avoid excessive pressure or trauma to the matrix area, and ensure a well-balanced diet to support strong and resilient nails.
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The nail plate is the hard, visible part of the nail
The nail plate, also known as the nail body, is the hard, visible part of the nail that extends from the nail root to the free edge. It is made of translucent keratin protein, a tough rigid polymer also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. The nail plate is about half a millimeter thick and slightly curved. It is formed by the compacting and flattening of dead cells, which are pushed outward from the nail root by the formation of new cells. This process gives the nail plate its strength and flexibility.
The nail plate is strongly attached to the nail bed, which is the soft tissue and skin underneath that aids in healthy nail growth. The nail bed contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels that supply nourishment to the entire nail unit. The nail plate itself does not contain any nerves or blood vessels.
The nail plate is framed by the lateral nail folds on its left and right sides. The skin bordering the lower end of the nail plate is called the proximal nail fold, over which a thin layer of skin called the cuticle grows. The cuticle forms a protective seal with the eponychium, a fold of skin cells that produces the cuticle. This seal helps to protect the structures under the nail plate at its free edge.
The lunula, or "small moon," is the whitish, crescent-shaped base of the visible nail plate. It is the visible part of the nail matrix, the active tissue that generates cells. The lunula is best seen in the thumb and may not be visible in the little finger. The whitish appearance is due to a reflection of light where the nail matrix and nail bed meet.
The nail plate serves several functions, including protecting the fingertips and surrounding soft tissues from injuries, enhancing fine motor skills and precise delicate movements, and strengthening the fingertips during tasks such as gripping objects.
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Frequently asked questions
Finger nails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin. This is the same substance that makes up hooves, claws and horns in animals.
Finger nails protect the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. They also help us to judge how to hold things, enhancing the sensitivity of our fingertips.
The nail matrix, or nail root, is the part of the nail that is hidden just under the cuticle. This is where the cells that will eventually form the nail plate gradually die, harden and push out of the skin. As new cells grow, they push old ones through the skin to form the nail.
This is called the lunula, which comes from the Latin word for "moon". It is the visible part of the matrix, where new keratin cells gather and slowly push the nail forward, causing it to grow.
