Sophia Delgado
The nail matrix, or germinal matrix, is the actively growing region of the nail. It is located under the base of the nail and is responsible for approximately 90% of nail growth. The nail matrix generates new cells that harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate, forming the hard structure of our nails. The nail matrix itself is divided into two parts: the germinal matrix, which is responsible for most of the nail growth, and the sterile matrix, which accounts for the remaining 10% of nail growth and is crucial for keeping the nail attached to the underlying skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the most actively growing region of the nail | Nail matrix (germinal matrix) |
| Location | Under the skin, at the inner edge of the nail plate |
| Parts | Two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix |
| Function | Responsible for most of a nail's growth; creates new cells that become your fingernails or toenails |
| Percentage of nail growth | About 90% of nail growth comes from the germinal matrix |
| Appearance | The lunula (white crescent shape at the base of the nail) is the only visible part of the nail matrix |
| Impact of damage | Minor damage can temporarily change the nail's appearance; severe damage can cause the nail to fall off |
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What You'll Learn
The nail matrix
Nail growth occurs in three phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase. During the anagen phase, the cells at the base of the nails, or the nail matrix, divide rapidly and push older cells forward. This active growth phase generally lasts for about two to three months. The catagen phase is a transitional phase where cell division decreases, causing the nail to slow down. This phase typically lasts for about two weeks. Lastly, the telogen phase is when the nails are in a resting state, and the newly formed cells push the old nail plate forward, giving the appearance that the nails are not growing. This phase can last anywhere from 100 to 150 days.
While it is rare for the nail matrix to be permanently damaged, preventing nail growth, severe injuries or certain health conditions can cause minor to severe damage to the nail matrix, temporarily affecting nail growth and changing the nail's appearance. For instance, severe eczema can affect the nail matrix, causing Beau's lines, pitting, and texture or colour changes. Additionally, nail matrix melanoma, also known as subungual melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that affects the nail matrix, typically indicated by brown or black discolouration on the nail.
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The nail root
The nail matrix is responsible for the majority of nail growth. It is where new cells are generated and then move outward from the nail root to the nail plate, hardening as they progress. The nail matrix consists of two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix contributes about 90% of nail growth, while the sterile matrix accounts for the remaining 10%. The sterile matrix, also known as the nail bed, plays a crucial role in keeping the nail attached to the underlying skin.
As the nail root grows, the nail plate, or the visible hard nail area, extends from the root to the free edge. The nail plate is made of translucent keratin protein, with several layers of dead, compacted cells that provide strength and flexibility to the nail. The width and thickness of the nail plate are determined by the size, length, and thickness of the nail matrix.
The growth of the nail occurs in three phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase. During the active growth phase, or the anagen phase, cells at the base of the nails in the nail matrix divide rapidly and push older cells forward. This phase typically lasts for about two to three months. The catagen phase is a transitional phase where cell division slows down, causing the nail growth to decelerate as well. This phase lasts for approximately two weeks. In the final phase, the telogen phase, the nails enter a resting state, and the newly formed cells push the old nail plate forward, giving the appearance that the nails are not growing. This phase can last between 100 to 150 days.
Proper nutrition and nail care are essential for maintaining strong and healthy nails. A well-balanced diet, including vitamins and minerals like biotin, iron, zinc, and calcium, can promote nail health. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices and avoiding harsh chemicals and excessive water exposure can contribute to the overall health and strength of the nails.
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The nail bed
The nail matrix is the active tissue (or germinal matrix) that generates cells. The cells harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. 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, while the shape of the fingertip bone determines whether the nail plate is flat, arched, or hooked. The matrix will continue to produce cells as long as it receives nutrition and remains in a healthy condition. As new nail plate cells are made, they push older nail plate cells forward; in this way, older cells become compressed, flat, and translucent.
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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 whether the nail plate is flat, arched, or hooked. The matrix, which consists of the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix, produces new keratin cells that gather at the nail plate and push it forward, causing the nail to grow. About 90% of nail growth comes from the germinal matrix, while the remaining 10% is attributed to the sterile matrix, which also plays a crucial role in keeping the nail attached to the underlying skin.
As new nail plate cells are formed, they push the older cells forward, causing them to become compressed, flat, and translucent. This compression of older cells makes the capillaries in the nail bed visible, resulting in a pink colour. The lunula, or the "small moon", is the whitish crescent-shaped base of the nail that is sometimes visible. It is the only visible part of the matrix and appears white due to the reflection of light where the nail matrix and nail bed meet.
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Conditions affecting nail growth
The nail matrix is where nail growth occurs. It comprises two parts: the germinal matrix, which contributes to about 90% of nail growth, and the sterile matrix, which is responsible for the remaining 10% of cells that make up the nails. While it is rare for the nail matrix to be permanently damaged, several conditions can affect nail growth by interfering with the nail matrix.
Infections
Fungal infections, such as tinea, can spread from one person to another and affect the fingernails or toenails. Toenail fungus typically manifests as thick, yellow, cracked, or cloudy nails. People with diabetes or compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to fungal infections. Without treatment, the nail bed can become infected, leading to potential nail deformation.
Injuries
Physical trauma, such as pinching or crushing the finger or dropping something heavy on the toe, can injure the nail matrix. This damage may cause bruising, ridges, or discolouration of the nail. In severe cases, the nail may even fall off.
Medications
Certain medications can temporarily affect the nail matrix, leading to Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), slow nail growth, Mees' lines (white bands), or colour changes. Examples include chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, anti-malarial medications, and other prescription drugs.
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can impact the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. Eczema may cause Beau's lines, pitting (small pinhole-like dots), texture changes, and discolouration. Psoriasis, which can affect up to 80% of people with the condition, may result in white lines, pitting, and crumbling of the nails.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, affecting the nail matrix and slowing nail growth.
Subungual Melanoma
Subungual melanoma, also known as nail matrix melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that affects the nail matrix. It typically presents as brown or black discolouration on the nail.
Congenital Conditions
Some nail conditions are congenital, meaning they are present at birth. One example is nail-patella syndrome, where the nails are improperly formed or missing.
Age-Related Changes
As the body ages, the growth rate of fingernails and toenails tends to slow down. Age-related changes in the protein composition of the nail plate make nails more brittle and prone to splitting, discolouration, and thickening.
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Frequently asked questions
The most actively growing region of the nail is the nail matrix, also known as the germinal matrix. It is the part of the nail bed that lies beneath the nail plate and contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. The nail matrix produces cells that harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate, forming the nail.
The nail matrix is made of two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. About 90% of nail growth comes from the germinal matrix, while the remaining 10% is contributed by the sterile matrix, which is also crucial in keeping the nail attached to the underlying skin.
The nail matrix is responsible for generating new cells that form the nail plate, which is the visible part of the nail. The width, thickness, and shape of the nail plate are determined by the size, length, thickness, and shape of the fingertip bone.
