Sophia Delgado
A nail is a protective plate found at the tip of the fingers and toes of all primates. It is made of a tough rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is 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. 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 is the skin beneath the nail plate, and it is where the nail plate rests. The hyponychium, or the quick, is the epithelium located beneath the nail plate, forming a seal that protects the nail bed. Together, the eponychium and the cuticle form a protective seal. The health of an individual can be determined by looking at their nails, as problems in the liver, lungs, and heart can show up in your nails.
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What You'll Learn
The nail plate, nail matrix and nail bed
The nail plate, nail matrix, and nail bed are all part of the nail unit, a complex structure located on the dorsal surface of the fingers and toes. The nail unit serves two main functions: protection and sensation. It protects the digits from trauma and assists with tactile sensation.
The nail plate, sometimes referred to as the nail body, is the hard, outer part of the nail that is visible to us. It is made of translucent keratin protein and is formed by several layers of dead, compacted cells, which give the nail its strength and flexibility. The width, thickness, and shape of the nail plate are determined by the underlying structures, such as the matrix and the fingertip bone. The nail plate is strongly attached to the nail bed and does not contain any nerves or blood vessels.
The nail matrix, also known as the matrix unguis, keratogenous membrane, or onychostroma, is the active tissue that generates new cells. These cells harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate, forming the hard structure of the nail. The nail matrix consists 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 contributes the remaining 10% of cells and is crucial for keeping the nail attached to the underlying skin.
The nail bed, or sterile matrix, lies underneath the nail plate, attaching it to the distal phalanx (the fingertip bone). It provides a smooth surface for the growing nail plate to slide over. The nail bed does not contribute to nail growth itself but is highly innervated and contains nerves, blood vessels, and lymph, which supply nourishment to the entire nail unit. The nail bed is protected by the nail plate and the onychodermal band, a seal formed between the nail plate and the hyponychium (the epithelium located beneath the nail plate at the junction between the free edge and the skin of the fingertip).
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The nail's protective function
The nail is a protective plate found at the tip of the digits (fingers and toes) of primates. It is made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. The nail plate, the upper surface of the nail, is completely keratinized and provides protection to the phalanges, enhances dexterity, and facilitates scratching.
The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed below it, with the nail bed containing nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. 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 width and thickness of the nail plate are determined by the size, length, and thickness of the matrix.
The hyponychium, located beneath the nail plate at the junction between the free edge and the skin of the fingertip, forms a seal that protects the nail bed. Together, the eponychium and the cuticle form a protective seal against water and toxic chemicals. The cuticle is a semi-circular layer of almost invisible dead skin cells that cover the back of the visible nail plate.
A healthy fingernail protects the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. It also enhances precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. The nail acts as a counter-force when the end of the finger touches an object, increasing the sensitivity of the fingertip.
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The lunula
Lunular anomalies include changes in form and structure and in colour. Lunular dysmorphologic features can be characterized by macrolunula, microlunula, anolunula, and nonconvex lunula. Lunular dyschromias can be confluent or spotted or can be characterized by longitudinal coloured bands that traverse the lunula.
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The hyponychium
Maintaining the health of the hyponychium is crucial for overall nail health. It is recommended to keep the hyponychium well-moisturized using high-quality nail oil to prevent dryness and ensure its suppleness and robustness. Good nail hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning and avoiding harsh chemicals, are also important to maintain the integrity of the hyponychium.
In some cases, the hyponychium may thicken or become discoloured, indicating a potential infection or underlying condition. Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU) is a condition where the hyponychium attaches to the underside of the nail as it grows, leading to overgrowth of the skin under the fingernail. Nail biting, gel manicures, acrylic nails, and fungal infections can also contribute to hyponychium overgrowth. If left untreated, this overgrowth can cause onycholysis, resulting in the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms or changes in the appearance of your hyponychium.
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Nail health and discoloration
Healthy nails are smooth and have consistent colouring. Nails grow at a rate of about 3 millimetres per month for fingernails, and toenails grow a little slower.
Nail abnormalities can result from injuries to the fingers and hands, viral warts, infections, some medications, or certain medical conditions. Discolouration can take the form of dark or white streaks, or changes in nail colour.
Types of Nail Discolouration
- Terry's Nails are white, washed-out nails with a thin, reddish-brown strip near the tip. This can be a sign of liver scarring (cirrhosis) or kidney disease.
- Lindsay's Nails are half white and half brown or red. People with kidney disease are more likely to have Lindsay's nails.
- Beau's Lines are depressions that run across your fingernail and can be a sign of malnourishment or diseases that cause a high fever, such as measles, mumps, and scarlet fever.
- Clubbing is when nails thicken and curve around fingertips, which can be the result of low oxygen in the blood.
- Koilonychia is when fingernails have raised ridges and scoop outward, like spoons.
- Leukonychia refers to non-uniform white spots or lines on the nail and can be associated with poor health or nutritional deficiencies.
- Mees' Lines are transverse white lines that can be a sign of arsenic poisoning.
- Pitting refers to small depressions or little pits in the nail and is common in people with psoriasis.
- Yellow Nail Syndrome is when nails get thicker and don't grow as fast as normal. This can be caused by wearing red nail polish without a base coat or smoking.
- Greenish-black colour is a sign of a bacterial nail infection.
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Frequently asked questions
Your nail is held to your finger by the nail bed, which is the skin beneath the nail plate. The nail bed is made up of two types of tissues: the dermis and the epidermis.
A nail is made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates.
A nail has several functions. It protects the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. It also enhances precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger, and acts as a tool for an "extended precision grip".
