Sophia Delgado
Fingernails are made from a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which also forms the cells of human hair and skin. Keratin is a polymer found in the claws, hooves and horns of vertebrates. The nail itself is comprised of several structures: the matrix, the nail plate, the nail bed and the skin around the nail (including the cuticle). The matrix is the active tissue that generates cells, which harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. The nail plate is the hard, outer nail area that we can see, made of several layers of dead, compacted cells. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, containing nerves and blood vessels that supply nourishment to the nail. The cuticle is a thin, waterproof membrane that seals the nail plate to the fingertip, acting as a barrier to infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | A tough rigid protein called alpha-keratin |
| Type of cells | Dead, compacted cells |
| Shape | Determined by the form of the underlying bone |
| Texture | Unique to each person |
| Growth | Fingernails grow at a rate of about 3 millimeters per month |
| Growth factors | Age, health status, and inherited genes |
| Growth inhibitors | Stress |
| Protective function | Protect fingertips from germs and injuries |
| Indicator | Changes in nail colour, texture, or growth could indicate a medical condition, nutrient deficiencies, or stress |
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What You'll Learn
- Fingernails are made from a protein called keratin
- Keratin is also found in hair, skin, glands and internal organs
- Fingernails are a protective plate at the tip of the digits
- The nail has four basic structures: the matrix, nail plate, nail bed and skin around the nail
- The nail plate is the hard nail area from the root to the free edge
Fingernails are made from a protein called keratin
The nail plate is made up of several layers of these dead, compacted cells, which are pushed outward from the nail root, located at the base of the fingernail, to the free edge or distal edge of the nail. The nail root is also known as the sinus or nail sinus, and it is where the nail begins to grow. The nail matrix, or germinal matrix, is the active tissue that generates these cells. The matrix is located beneath the nail plate and is the visible, light half-moon-shaped area known as the lunula.
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, to which it is strongly attached. The nail bed does not contain any nerves or blood vessels, but it is highly innervated, which is why removing the nail plate is often painful. The nail bed is nourished by the underlying network of nerves and blood vessels in the dermis and epidermis of the skin.
The shape of the nail plate is determined by the form of the underlying bone, and it can vary in width and thickness depending on the size and length of the matrix. The nail plate also has a unique texture pattern, like a fingerprint. This tough plate of hardened cells protruding from the fingertips provides protection from damage and infection and helps with grip and pressure detection.
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Keratin is also found in hair, skin, glands and internal organs
The protein keratin, which fingernails are made of, is also found in hair, skin, glands, and internal organs. Keratin is a tough, rigid protein that forms the cells of hair and skin. It is responsible for giving nails their strength and resilience, protecting them from damage.
Keratin is a key component of hair, which is primarily composed of dead, compacted keratin cells. These cells provide structure and strength to the hair shaft, contributing to its overall health and appearance. Just like in nails, the keratin in hair hardens as it moves outward, creating a protective barrier.
In the skin, keratin forms the outermost layer, known as the epidermis. The epidermis acts as a barrier, protecting the body from external factors such as bacteria and other potential irritants. It also helps regulate body temperature and plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration and overall skin health.
Keratin is also present in various glands throughout the body. Glands, such as sweat glands and sebaceous glands, produce secretions that contain keratin. These secretions help maintain the integrity and function of the glands and support overall bodily functions.
Additionally, keratin is found in internal organs, particularly those with epithelial surfaces, such as the lungs, kidneys, and digestive tract. Keratin-containing cells in these organs provide structural support and contribute to the proper functioning of the organs.
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Fingernails are a protective plate at the tip of the digits
The structure of the fingernail consists of several parts: the nail plate, the nail matrix, the nail bed, and the skin around the nail, including the cuticle. The nail plate, sometimes referred to as the nail body, is the hard, outer part of the nail that we typically associate with the nail itself. It is made up of several layers of dead, compacted keratin cells, which give the nail its strength and flexibility.
The nail matrix, or matrix unguis, is the area where nail cells are generated. It is located beneath the nail plate and contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. The cells produced in the matrix harden as they move outward, eventually forming the hard surface of the nail plate. The width and thickness of the nail plate are determined by the size and dimensions of the matrix.
The nail bed, or lunula, is the skin beneath the nail plate. It is the area where the nail plate rests and is nourished by the nerves and blood vessels found in this region. The lunula gets its name from the Latin word for "little moon," due to its pale, crescent shape.
Finally, the cuticle is a thin, waterproof membrane that seals the nail plate to the fingertip, providing an important barrier against infections. Together, these structures form the protective plate of the fingernail, safeguarding the sensitive tips of our digits.
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The nail has four basic structures: the matrix, nail plate, nail bed and skin around the nail
The nail has four basic structures: the matrix, nail plate, nail bed, and skin around the nail.
The nail matrix is where the fingernails or toenails form. It is made of special cells that create new cells to form the nails. The nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The former contributes to 90% of nail growth, while the latter is responsible for the remaining 10% and is important for keeping the nail attached to the skin. The lunula, the white crescent shape at the base of the nail, is the only visible part of the nail matrix.
The nail plate is the nail itself. It is made of a protein called keratin, which also forms the cells of hair and skin. Keratin protects nails from damage by making them strong and resilient.
The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate. It contains tiny blood vessels called capillaries, which help nails grow and give them their pinkish color.
The skin around the nail includes the cuticle, the lateral nail fold, and the proximal nail fold. The cuticle is the white or transparent skin at the base of the nail, which protects the new nail from germs as it grows. The nail fold is where the skin and nail come together. Bacteria can enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing a nail infection called paronychia.
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The nail plate is the hard nail area from the root to the free edge
The nail plate, also known as the corpus unguis or nail body, is the hard, translucent nail area from the root to the free edge. It is made of keratin, a tough rigid protein also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. The nail plate is formed as cells move outward from the nail root, harden, and become compacted. This process begins in the nail matrix, which constantly produces new keratin that gathers at the nail plate and pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow. The width and thickness of the nail plate are determined by the size, length, and thickness of the matrix, while the shape of the nail plate is determined by the underlying bone.
The nail plate is strongly attached to the nail bed, which is the skin beneath it. The nail bed contains nerves and blood vessels that supply nourishment to the nail unit. The nail bed is highly innervated, which is why removing the nail plate can be painful. The nail plate itself does not contain any nerves or blood vessels.
The free margin, or distal edge, is the anterior margin of the nail plate that corresponds to the abrasive or cutting edge of the nail. The hyponychium, or "quick," is the epithelium located beneath the nail plate at the junction between the free edge and the skin of the fingertip. It forms a seal that protects the sensitive nail bed.
The nail plate is unique to each individual, like a fingerprint, and its texture pattern can provide clues about a person's health status, lifestyle, and recreational habits. For example, nail discoloration, thinning, thickening, or other disruptions in growth could indicate illness, nutrient deficiencies, drug reactions, or local injuries.
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Frequently asked questions
Finger nails are made from a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, a polymer also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates.
Finger nails provide a hard, protective shell for our fingertips. They also help us grip by offering a solid surface for the pads of the fingers to press against.
To keep finger nails healthy, it is important to take breaks from using nail polish or having artificial nails. It is also recommended to trim and file your nails regularly to keep them from becoming too rough.
