Ava Monroe
The human nail is a protective plate found at the tip of the digits (fingers and toes). 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. The nail plate is made of several layers of dead, compacted cells, which cause the nail to be strong but flexible. The nail matrix is the active tissue that generates cells, and the nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate. The nail bed contains nerves, blood vessels, and tiny blood vessels called capillaries, which supply nourishment to the entire nail unit and give nails their pinkish colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Alpha-keratin, a tough rigid protein |
| Parts | Nail plate, nail matrix, nail bed, nail root, lunula, hyponychium, onychodermal band |
| Cells | Dead, compacted cells cause the nail to be strong but flexible |
| Nerves | No nerve endings in the nail, but the nail bed contains nerves |
| Blood vessels | Capillaries under the nail bed give nails their pinkish color |
| Growth rate | 3-3.5 mm per month for fingernails, 1.6 mm per month for toenails |
| Regrowth time | 3-6 months for fingernails, 12-18 months for toenails |
| Color | Yellow, brown, or green nails may indicate a fungal infection; bluish nails may indicate insufficient oxygen in the body |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernails are made of a tough protein called alpha-keratin
The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed below it, as well as 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, which is why the nail plate is the hardest part of the nail. 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 matrix produces cells that become the nail plate. The width and thickness of the nail plate are determined by the size, length, and thickness of the matrix.
The lunula, which means "small moon" in Latin, 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. The lunula appears white due to the reflection of light where the nail matrix and nail bed meet. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, and it is the area on which the nail plate rests. Nerves and blood vessels in the nail bed supply nourishment to the entire nail unit. The nail bed is highly innervated, and removal of the nail plate is often extremely painful as a result.
The growing part of the nail is under the skin at the nail's proximal end under the epidermis, which is the only living part of a nail. As new cells grow, they push old ones through the skin. The part of the nail that can be seen consists of dead cells, which is why it does not hurt to cut your nails. However, a layer of skin under the nails, called the dermis, has sensory nerve endings that send signals to the brain when pressure is applied to the nails.
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The nail plate is made of several layers of dead, compacted cells
The nail plate, also known as the corpus unguis or nail body, is the hard, outer part of the nail that extends from the nail root to the free edge. It is made up of several layers of dead, compacted cells, primarily consisting of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin. This keratin protein is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. The nail plate is translucent, giving it a slightly curved shape, and its thickness can vary depending on the size and length of the underlying nail matrix.
The nail matrix, or matrix unguis, is the active tissue located beneath the nail plate that generates new cells. As these cells move outward from the nail root to the nail plate, they harden and become compacted, forming the layers of the nail plate. The width, thickness, and overall shape of the nail plate are determined by the size and dimensions of the nail matrix, while the transverse shape is influenced by the underlying bone structure.
The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate. While the nail plate itself does not contain any nerves or blood vessels, the nail bed is highly innervated and nourished by blood vessels, making it sensitive to touch. The nail plate separates from the nail bed at the tip of the finger or toe, allowing for the use of nails as tools, such as for scratching.
The lunula, or "small moon," is a whitish, crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail plate. It is the visible part of the nail matrix and appears white due to the reflection of light where the nail matrix and nail bed meet. The lunula may be more noticeable on the thumb and less visible on the little finger.
The hyponychium, or the "quick," is the thickened portion of epithelium underlying the free edge of the nail plate. It forms a seal that protects the nail bed and creates the onychodermal band, which is the seal between the nail plate and the hyponychium.
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The lunula is the white, half-moon shape at the base of the nail
The lunula appears white due to a reflection of light at the point where the nail matrix and nail bed meet. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, and it is made of two types of tissues: the dermis and the epidermis. 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. The nail matrix contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels, which supply nourishment to the entire nail unit.
The lunula can provide clues about a person's health. For example, blue lunulae may be a sign of silver poisoning or Wilson disease, while pale blue lunulae may indicate undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes. Lunulae that turn red could signal heart failure or certain types of heart and lung disease. Yellow lunulae may be caused by a fungal infection, thyroid condition, psoriasis, or diabetes. However, small or missing lunulae are usually not cause for concern.
The appearance or disappearance of lunulae can also be related to dietary factors. Malnourishment, medical conditions affecting nutrient absorption, and eating disorders can cause changes in the nails. People with a vitamin B-12 deficiency may experience the disappearance of lunulae and the development of brownish-grey nails. Additionally, extended use of tetracycline medications, which are antibiotics for acne and skin infections, may cause lunulae to turn yellow.
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The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate
The epidermis is attached to the dermis by tiny longitudinal "grooves" called matrix crests (cristae matricis unguis). The nail bed is the part of the nail that is beneath the nail and contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. The matrix produces cells that become the nail plate. The width and thickness of the nail plate are determined by the size, length, and thickness of the matrix, while the shape of the fingertip bone determines the shape of the nail plate.
The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail plate, and it is where the nail plate attaches. The nail plate is made of a hard substance called keratin and is about half a millimeter thick and slightly curved. The nail plate is made of several layers of dead, compacted cells that cause the nail to be strong but flexible. Its shape is determined by the form of the underlying bone.
The lunula is the visible part of the matrix, the whitish crescent-shaped base of the visible nail. It appears white due to a reflection of light at the point where the nail matrix and nail bed meet. The lunula can best be seen in the thumb and may not be visible in the little finger. The lunula is also the light half-moon-shaped area shimmering through the nail plate at the base of the nail.
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The nail matrix is the active tissue that generates cells
The nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix is the area of the nail below the lunula, closest to the knuckle, and produces approximately 90% of nail cells. The sterile matrix is the area of the nail above the lunula and is responsible for the remaining 10% of nail cells. It is more important for keeping the nail attached to the underlying skin. The lunula is the white, crescent-shaped base of the visible nail and is the only visible part of the nail matrix. It is also known as the "small moon" in Latin due to its shape.
The nail matrix constantly produces new keratin, which gathers at the nail plate and slowly pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow. Fingernails grow at a rate of about 3 millimeters per month, while toenails grow slightly slower. The growth rate of nails can be influenced by various factors such as age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors. Additionally, the health and condition of the nail matrix can impact nail growth. Certain health conditions, injuries, and medications can damage the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. For example, fungal infections, illnesses, and physical trauma can affect the nail matrix and cause changes in nail appearance and growth.
The nail matrix is essential for healthy nail growth and protection. It produces new cells that become the nail plate, and its size, length, and thickness determine the width and thickness of the nail plate. The nail matrix is also involved in the formation of the cuticle, which grows over the nail at the proximal nail fold. Overall, the nail matrix plays a crucial role in nail development and maintenance.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernails are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, a polymer also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates.
A healthy fingernail functions to protect 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.
In humans, fingernails grow at an average rate of approximately 3.5 mm per month, with toenails growing about half as fast. The growth rate varies depending on age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors.
Nail discolouration can be caused by various factors, including fungal infections, thyroid conditions, liver problems, lung disease, diabetes, psoriasis, and skin cancer, among other things.
The lunula is the whitish, crescent-shaped base of the visible nail, also known as the "small moon" due to its shape. It is the visible part of the matrix, where the nail matrix and nail bed meet, reflecting light to appear white.
