Isla Bennett
Nails are a modified type of skin that grows from beneath the epidermis, the upper layer of skin. The nail matrix, located under the nail bed, is where the nail root is formed and where new nails are constantly produced. The nail bed has the same four layers of epidermis as the rest of the skin, with the nail plate being analogous to the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of skin. The nail plate is made of translucent keratin protein, which is a type of protein that is a basic component of hair, skin, and nails. The growth of nails can be affected by various factors, including age, health status, nutrition, and certain skin conditions or diseases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where nails grow | Nails start growing under the skin, specifically in the nail matrix. |
| What nails are made of | Nails are made of keratin, a type of protein. |
| Nail matrix | The nail matrix is where fingernails or toenails form. It is made of special cells that produce 196 layers of cells that combine to form each nail. |
| Nail bed | The nail bed is a specialized form of skin epithelium, with the same four layers as the epidermis of the skin. |
| Nail plate | The nail plate, sometimes referred to as the nail body, is the hard nail area made of translucent keratin protein. |
| Nail root | The nail root is at the distal end of each digit, where the nail plate and hyponychium meet. |
| Cuticle | The cuticle is a semi-circular layer of almost invisible dead skin cells that cover the back of the nail plate. |
| Eponychium | The eponychium is a small band of living cells (epithelium) that extends from the posterior nail wall onto the base of the nail. |
| Perionyx | The perionyx is the projecting edge of the eponychium covering the proximal strip of the lunula. |
| Nail wall | The nail wall is the cutaneous fold overlapping the sides and proximal end of the nail. |
| Lateral margin | The lateral margin lies beneath the nail wall on the sides of the nail. |
| Paronychium | The paronychium is the soft tissue border around the nail, where hangnails, ingrown nails, and paronychia (a skin infection) can occur. |
| Hyponychium | The hyponychium is the thickened portion of epithelium underlying the free edge of the nail plate. It is sometimes called the "quick". |
| Function | Nails protect the sensitive tips of fingers and toes, support the tips of fingers and toes, and help with picking up small objects. |
| Nail growth factors | Nail growth is influenced by genetics, age, health status, nutrition, and nail care. |
| Nail growth supplements | Vitamin B12, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein are important for nail growth and health. |
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What You'll Learn
The nail matrix is where the nail forms
The nail matrix is the key structure responsible for nail growth. It is located at the base of the nail and is where new nail plate cells are created. As these new cells are produced, they push the older cells outward, and the nail plate grows. The nail matrix is made of special cells that constantly produce new keratin, which gathers at the nail plate and slowly pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow.
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 it is responsible for about 90% of nail production. The sterile matrix lies above the lunula and is responsible for the remaining 10% of cells that make up the nails. However, the sterile matrix is more important in keeping the nail attached to the underlying skin.
The lunula is the only visible part of the nail matrix. It is the white or translucent crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail. Some people do not have visible lunulas, which is also normal. The cuticle, the semi-circular layer of almost invisible dead skin cells that cover the back of the nail plate, provides protection to the nail matrix.
The nail matrix is susceptible to damage from injuries and certain health conditions, which can interfere with nail growth. For example, severe eczema can affect the nail matrix and cause Beau's lines, pitting, and texture or colour changes. Peripheral artery disease can also reduce blood flow to the nail matrix, slowing nail growth. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, the nail may not grow back.
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The nail bed is a specialised form of skin epithelium
The nail bed is made up of the same four layers as the epidermis of the skin, with the nail plate being analogous to the stratum corneum layer. The nail plate is made up of tightly packed, hard, keratinised epidermal cells. The proliferating cells in the nail root form the nail matrix, and their proliferation makes the nail elongate continuously. As the cells approach the dorsal surface of the nail, they are displaced distally and are gradually transformed into hard keratin, causing the nail plate to lengthen and strengthen. The nail bed is richly vascular and consists of abundant collagen fibres that form the nail ligaments, uniting the nail matrix and nail bed with the periosteum of the underlying phalanx.
The eponychium and the cuticle form a protective seal over the nail plate and nail bed. The cuticle is the semi-circular layer of almost invisible dead skin cells that cover the back of the visible nail plate, and the eponychium is the fold of skin cells that produces the cuticle. The eponychium is a small band of living cells (epithelium) that extends from the posterior nail wall onto the base of the nail.
The hyponychium is the thickened portion of the epithelium underlying the free edge of the nail plate. It is sometimes called the "quick", and it secures the nail to the fingertip. 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.
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The nail plate is made of keratinised epidermal cells
The nail plate, also known as the nail body, is the hard, translucent keratin protein that makes up the nail. It is made up of several layers of dead, compacted cells that give the nail strength and flexibility. The nail plate is formed from the eponychium, a small band of living cells (epithelium) that extends from the posterior nail wall onto the base of the nail. The eponychium is the end of the proximal fold that folds back upon itself to shed an epidermal layer of skin onto the newly formed nail plate.
The nail plate is the only part of the nail that is not living. It does not contain any nerves or blood vessels. The nail bed, on the other hand, is highly innervated and has corpuscles and nerve endings that are responsible for sensitivity to light, touch, and pressure. 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 plate emerges from the proximal nail fold, which covers approximately one-fourth of the total nail length. The skin on either side of the nail is an extension of the proximal nail fold, known as the lateral nail fold.
The matrix, which is the growing part of the nail, constantly produces new keratin that gathers at the nail plate and slowly pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow. The lunula, the whitish crescent-shaped base of the visible nail, is the only visible part of the matrix. The lunula appears white due to the reflection of light where the nail matrix and nail bed meet.
The nail plate is composed of keratin, a scleroprotein that contains large amounts of sulfur. Polypeptide chains are the basic macromolecules that form keratin. These chains exist in either curled helical (α – keratin) or side-by-side pleated (β – keratin) conformations. Human nails are made up of approximately 80% hard α – keratin and 20% soft α – keratin. Hard α – keratin is the main constituent of cornified mammalian tissues such as nails, while soft α – keratin is the main component of the epidermis and other epithelial tissues.
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The lunula is the only visible part of the nail matrix
The nail matrix is the part of the nail that is responsible for nail growth. It is made up of two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix is located under the base of the nail, while the sterile matrix lies underneath the nail. The nail matrix produces new cells that form the fingernails and toenails. Each nail matrix produces 196 layers of cells that combine to form each nail. The nail matrix also includes the cuticle, the lateral nail fold, the nail plate, the nail bed, and the proximal nail fold.
While the lunula is usually visible as a white crescent shape, some people may not have a visible lunula, which is completely normal. The lunula is a delicate part of the nail structure, and damaging it can result in permanent deformation of the nail. Even when the entire nail is removed, the lunula remains in place, resembling a smaller fingernail embedded in the nail bed.
The appearance of the lunula can provide insights into an individual's health. Alterations in the shape, structure, or colour of the lunula can indicate either a cutaneous or systemic disorder. For example, discolouration of the lunula, such as redness or blueness, may be observed in cases of subungual myxoid cysts. Additionally, certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can affect nail growth and cause changes in the appearance of the lunula.
In summary, the lunula is the only visible portion of the nail matrix, and it plays a vital role in nail formation and growth. Any changes to its appearance or structure can be indicative of underlying health conditions, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and seeking medical advice when necessary.
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The cuticle is a semi-circular layer of almost invisible dead skin cells
The nail is framed by the lateral nail folds on the left and right sides. The skin at the lower end of the nail is called the proximal nail fold, and a thin layer of skin, or the cuticle, grows over the nail there. The cuticle is a semi-circular layer of almost invisible dead skin cells that covers the back of the visible nail plate. The eponychium is the fold of skin cells that produces the cuticle. The eponychium and the cuticle form a protective seal.
The cuticle is the nonliving part of the nail that is removed during a manicure. However, the eponychium, or the living part, should not be touched as it may cause pain, bleeding, and infection. The cuticle is also known as the white or transparent skin at the base of the nail. It is part of the nail's overall structure, which includes the lateral nail fold, the nail plate, the nail bed, and the proximal nail fold.
The nail plate, or the nail body, is the hard nail area from the nail root to the free edge. It is made of translucent keratin protein. The nail bed is a specialised form of skin epithelium, with the same four layers as the epidermis of the skin. The nail plate is made up of tightly packed, hard, keratinized epidermal cells.
The cuticle is formed by the eponychium, a small band of living cells (epithelium) that extends from the posterior nail wall onto the base of the nail. The eponychium folds back upon itself to shed an epidermal layer of skin onto the newly formed nail plate. The perionyx is the projecting edge of the eponychium covering the proximal strip of the lunula. The lunula is the white crescent shape at the base of the nail. It is the only visible part of the nail matrix, which is where the fingernails or toenails form.
The nail matrix is made of special cells that produce new fingernails or toenails. Each nail matrix produces 196 layers of cells that combine to make each fingernail and toenail. The matrix constantly produces new keratin that gathers at the nail plate and slowly pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow. Nails are modified types of skin, and they protect the sensitive tips of fingers and toes.
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Frequently asked questions
The nail matrix is where your fingernails or toenails form. It is made of special cells that produce new keratin, which gathers at the nail plate and pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow.
The nail plate, sometimes referred to as the nail body, is the hard nail area from the nail root to the free edge. It is made of translucent keratin protein and is strongly attached to the nail bed.
The nail bed is a specialised form of skin epithelium, with the same four layers as the epidermis of the skin. The nail bed has tiny blood vessels called capillaries that help nails grow and give them their pinkish colour.
The cuticle is a thin layer of skin that grows over the nail at the proximal nail fold. It is produced by the eponychium, a fold of skin cells, and forms a protective seal with it.
