Liam Carter
Fingernails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. Keratin is a protein that forms cells that make up your fingernails and toenails, as well as your hair and skin. The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed below it, with the nail matrix constantly producing new keratin that gathers at the nail plate and slowly pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow.
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What You'll Learn
Fingernails are made of a protein called keratin
The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed below it, with the grooves surrounding it. The nail matrix is the active tissue that generates cells. The cells harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate, forming the hard shell that protects our fingertips. The nail matrix is also known as the matrix unguis, keratogenous membrane, or onychostroma. It is located beneath the nail and contains nerves, lymph, and
The formation of a nail begins inside a part of the fingertip called the nail root or sinus, located a couple of millimeters behind the cuticle. This is where the cells that will form the nail plate gradually die, harden, and push out of the skin. As older cells are compacted and pushed out by the formation of new cells, they take the form of the fingernail. The nail matrix constantly produces new keratin that gathers at the nail plate, causing the nail to grow. Fingernails grow at a rate of about 3 millimeters per month, while toenails grow slightly slower.
Fingernails serve several important functions. They protect the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. They also enhance precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. Additionally, nails act as a tool, enabling an "extended precision grip" for tasks such as pulling out a splinter. The health of fingernails can provide clues about overall health, lifestyle, and even stress levels.
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Keratin also forms the cells of your hair and skin
Your fingernails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. Keratin is a type of protein that helps form your hair, nails, and skin. It is produced naturally by the body and provides support and protection.
Keratin is strong and resistant to diluted acids, alkalines, solvents, and water. It is the primary component of hair and is responsible for its strength and brightness. Keratin treatments and products are often used to improve hair health and appearance, but their effectiveness is not conclusively proven.
Keratin forms the outer layer of your skin, also known as the epidermis. It helps support and protect your skin, heal wounds, and maintain overall skin health. Keratin also plays a role in skin pigmentation, influencing your skin's colour.
Additionally, keratin is involved in the formation of cells that are key components of many glands and internal organs. These cells line your organs and help protect them. The specific functions of keratin can vary depending on the type of keratin and the specific epithelial context.
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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. It is made of translucent keratin, a type of protein that is also present in the hair and skin. The nail plate is about half a millimeter thick and slightly curved. It is firmly attached to the nail bed, the soft tissue and skin underneath that supports healthy nail growth. The nail plate does not contain any nerves or blood vessels.
The nail plate is supported by several soft tissue structures, including the nail folds and the nail bed. The nail folds are the lateral nail folds on the left and right sides of the nail, as well as the proximal nail fold, which is the skin bordering the lower end of the nail. The cuticle, a thin layer of almost invisible dead skin cells, grows over the nail at the proximal nail fold. The nail folds protect the edges of the nail plate from trauma and shield the nail matrix from ultraviolet radiation.
The nail matrix, or matrix unguis, is the structure at the base of the nail plate from which new nail cells grow. It is the active tissue, or germinal matrix, that generates cells. These cells harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate, determining the nail plate's width and thickness. The lunula, or "small moon", is the whitish, crescent-shaped base of the visible nail where the nail matrix and nail bed meet. It is the reflection of light at this point that gives the lunula its white appearance.
The nail plate has several functions, including protecting the fingers and toes from injury and infection, strengthening the fingertips during tasks such as gripping objects, and enhancing fine motor skills, such as separating objects or scratching. Nails also play a role in the sense of touch and can be used as tools, for example, for pulling out a splinter.
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The nail bed is the soft tissue underneath the nail plate
The nail unit is a complex structure with two main functions: protection and sensation. The nail plate, which is made of a tough rigid protein called alpha-keratin, is firmly attached to the nail bed beneath it. The nail bed is the soft tissue underneath the nail plate. It is the part of the nail that contains nerves, lymph, and tiny blood vessels called capillaries. The nail bed is separated from the nail plate at the tip of the finger or toe, allowing us to use our nails as tools, such as for scratching.
The nail bed is an important structure that supports the nail plate and provides it with nutrition and moisture. The nail matrix, also known as the germinal matrix, is a part of the nail bed that is responsible for generating new cells. These cells harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate, forming the hard, protective nail plate. The width and thickness of the nail plate are determined by the size, length, and thickness of the nail matrix.
The nail bed is crucial for the health and growth of the nail plate. Any damage to the nail bed, such as a crush or laceration, can affect the appearance and function of the nail. In cases of severe nail bed injuries, surgical repair may be required to improve the cosmetic appearance of the new nail growing through. This process typically involves removing the nail and repairing the laceration with absorbable sutures. The recovery time for a nail bed repair can take up to six months, during which the finger may be sensitive to cold temperatures.
The health of the nail bed is also important for overall health assessment. Healthcare providers often examine the fingernail beds as an indicator of distal tissue perfusion in individuals who may be dehydrated or in shock. A delayed return to the normal pink colour of the nail bed after brief depression can indicate certain shock states, such as hypovolemia. Additionally, the presence of deep, horizontal grooves known as "Beau's lines" across the nails can be a result of ageing or underlying disease.
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The cuticle is a thin membrane that seals the nail plate to the fingertip
Fingernails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, a polymer also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed below it, and the grooves surrounding 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.
Cuticles are important to nail health and protect the nail area from infection. They create a barrier for growing nails, preventing new areas from becoming exposed to dirt, debris, and bacteria while they grow. It is important to keep cuticles clean and moisturized to prevent dryness and cracking, and to trim excess skin and hangnails. However, it is advised to avoid cutting the entire cuticle as this can increase the risk of infection.
Cuticle oil and moisturizer can be used to hydrate cuticles, and it is safe to apply these daily. Cuticle pushers can be used to gently push back the cuticles, and cuticle cutters can be used to trim excess skin. However, it is important to be careful when cutting cuticles to avoid getting too close to the skin's seal.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernails are made of a tough, hardened protein called keratin.
Keratin is a protein that forms the cells of your hair, skin, and nails. It also forms cells that are a key part of many glands and that line internal organs.
Nails grow when older cells are pushed out from the matrix (located under the cuticle) by new ones. These older cells are then compacted and grow into what we know as the nail.
A healthy fingernail protects the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. It also serves to enhance precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger.
