Sophia Delgado
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 pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, containing blood vessels that supply nutrients to the fingertip. The paronychium is the soft tissue border around the nail, and the hyponychium is the area of epithelium underlying the free edge of the nail plate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is between the nail and the finger? | The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail plate. |
| What is the nail made of? | A tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin. |
| What is the nail bed made of? | The nail bed contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. |
| What is the function of the nail bed? | The blood vessels in the nail bed supply nutrients to the fingertip. |
| What is the function of the nail? | A healthy fingernail protects the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. |
| What is the white area on the nail? | The white area is called the lunula (Latin for "small moon") because of its shape. |
| What is 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. |
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What You'll Learn
The nail plate
The free margin or distal edge is the anterior margin of the nail plate and corresponds to the abrasive or cutting edge of the nail. The hyponychium, informally known as the "quick," is the epithelium located beneath the nail plate at the junction between the free edge and the skin of the fingertip. It is important to note that damaging the hyponychium can cause onycholysis, or the lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed, leaving the area susceptible to infections and fungus.
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The nail matrix
The lunula, the white crescent shape at the base of your nail, is the only visible part of the nail matrix, though some people don't have visible lunulas. The nail matrix constantly produces new keratin, which gathers at the nail plate and slowly pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow. Each nail matrix produces 196 layers of cells that combine to form each fingernail or toenail. Unlike hair follicles, the nail matrix is constantly making new nail cells without periods of rest. Nails grow at a rate of about 3 millimetres per month, with toenails growing slightly slower.
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. For example, pinching or crushing your finger or dropping something heavy on your toe can injure the nail matrix. A severe injury could cause your nail to fall off, and in cases of severe nail matrix damage, the nail may not grow back. Illnesses such as a heart attack, COVID-19, or pneumonia can also interrupt nail growth and cause horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines. Fungal infections, certain medications, and conditions like subungual melanoma can also affect the nail matrix.
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The nail bed
The matrix, located beneath the skin at the nail's base, produces new 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 new cells flatten and are pushed forward toward the fingertip, resulting in nail growth. The matrix constantly produces new keratin that gathers at the nail plate and slowly pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow.
The hyponychium, or the "quick", is the epithelium located beneath the nail plate at the junction between the free edge and the skin of the fingertip. It is the area of thickened epithelium underlying the free edge of the nail plate. Damaging the hyponychium can cause onycholysis, or the lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed, leaving the area susceptible to infections and fungus.
The paronychium is the site of hangnails, ingrown nails, and paronychia, a skin infection. The nail is framed by the lateral nail folds on its left and right sides. The skin bordering the lower end of the nail is called the proximal nail fold, where a thin layer of skin, known as the cuticle, grows over the nail.
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The paronychium
Paronychia can result from relatively minor events, such as dishwashing, an injury from a splinter or thorn, nail biting, biting or picking at a hangnail, finger sucking, an ingrown nail, or manicure procedures. It can also be caused by frequent hand washing and repeated nail biting or picking at the cuticles, which create tiny cracks in the nails or cuts in the skin through which bacteria may enter.
Certain professions that require wet hands, such as bartenders and dishwashers, have a higher risk of developing paronychia. Additionally, people with underlying skin conditions may be more prone to nail infections. Symptoms of paronychia include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail, redness, and the buildup of pus under the skin.
Treatment for paronychia typically involves the use of antibiotics for bacterial infections and antifungals for fungal infections. If pus is present, it may need to be drained, and the fluid can be cultured to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. While paronychia usually does not lead to serious health issues, it can sometimes persist or recur after treatment.
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The lunula
The appearance of the lunula can vary across each nail and may change over time. In some cases, the disappearance or discolouration of the lunula may be a sign of an underlying health condition. For example, pale blue lunulae may indicate undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes, while blue-grey lunulae may be a sign of silver poisoning. Small or missing lunulae are usually not cause for concern, but if you notice changes in nail appearance along with other unusual symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
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Frequently asked questions
The nail, or nail plate, is made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin.
The paronychium is the soft tissue border around the nail. The paronychium is the site of hangnails, ingrown nails, and paronychia, a skin infection.
This is called the lunula, which means "small moon" in Latin. It is the visible part of the matrix, where the nail matrix and nail bed meet.
The hyponychium is the seal between the nail plate and the nail bed. It is a very vascular and sensitive area.
