Noah Sinclair
The nail matrix is a layer of living skin at the base of the nail that allows for continuous nail growth and protection of fingertips. The nail matrix is made up of living epidermal cells that are responsible for nail growth. As the cells in the nail matrix divide, they push older cells forward, creating the visible part of the nail called the nail plate. The nail plate is made up of tightly packed, hard, keratinized epidermal cells. The nail bed, which is a specialized form of skin epithelium, has the same four layers as the epidermis of the skin, with the nail plate being analogous to the stratum corneum layer.
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What You'll Learn
Nails begin to grow from the nail matrix
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 produces about 90% of nail cells. The sterile matrix is the area of the nail above the lunula, and it 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 only visible part of the nail matrix. It is the white, half-moon-shaped area at the base of the nail. Some people do not have visible lunulas, which is normal. The lunula is white because the underlying epithelium is thicker, and the colour of the dermis does not show through.
The nail matrix is subject to injury and disease. Fingernail injuries are often due to a broken finger, and trauma to the nail can cause nail cell production to stop temporarily. Deep cuts or trauma to the germinal matrix can result in permanent nail loss. Nail infections can also occur, causing the area to become red, painful, and sore.
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The nail plate is made of hard keratin
The nail plate, or simply the nail, is a protective structure at the end of each digit. It is made of hard keratin, a scleroprotein or fibrous protein that contains large amounts of sulfur. The nail plate is composed of several layers of dead, compacted cells, which make the nail strong and flexible.
The nail plate is formed from the proliferation of cells in the nail root, or nail matrix. As these cells approach the surface of the nail, they are displaced distally and transformed into hard keratin, causing the nail plate to lengthen and strengthen. The 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 millimetres per month, while toenails grow slightly slower.
The nail plate is made up of both soft and hard α-keratin. In humans, α-keratin is the primary constituent of hair, nails, and the epidermal layer of the skin. Human nails are composed of approximately 80% hard α-keratin and 20% soft α-keratin. The analysis of human nail plates has shown that they are made of approximately 10-20% soft epithelial keratins, with the remainder being hard α-keratin.
The nail plate is strongly attached to the nail bed, which is a specialised form of skin epithelium. The nail bed has 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 about half a millimetre thick and slightly curved. It is translucent, allowing the colour of the vascular dermis below to show through. The white crescent at the proximal end of the nail plate is called the lunula.
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The cuticle protects the new nail
The cuticle is a thin, semi-circular layer of colourless, dead skin cells that covers the back of the nail plate. It is formed by the eponychium, a small band of living cells that extends from the posterior nail wall onto the base of the nail. The eponychium sheds an epidermal layer of skin onto the newly formed nail plate, creating the cuticle.
The cuticle is an important protective seal that safeguards the nail matrix, which is the growing part of the nail under the skin at the nail's proximal end. The cuticle protects the new nail from bacteria and other invaders, such as pathogens, chemicals, and fungus spores. It also helps to secure the nail to the fingertip.
Cuticles are crucial to nail health and should be cared for properly. They should be kept moisturized using thick moisturizing products such as ointments, creams, or petroleum jelly. Cuticles should not be cut, as this can increase the risk of infection and make them more likely to fracture. Instead, they can be gently pushed back with a wooden orange stick, and any loose skin can be carefully trimmed.
The cuticle is the non-living part of the nail that is safely removed during a manicure or pedicure. However, the eponychium, which is the living part, should be left untouched to avoid pain, bleeding, and infection.
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The lunula is the white crescent at the proximal end
The lunula is not always visible, and this is normal. It may be hidden under the skin, and can vary in size and shape due to genetics. However, an absent lunula can sometimes indicate certain health conditions, such as anemia, malnutrition, or depression. In rare cases, it may indicate more serious conditions such as Wilson's disease, which causes a blue discolouration known as azure lunula.
The lunula is white because the underlying epithelium is thicker in this area, preventing the colour of the dermis from showing through. The eponychium, a band of living cells, forms an epidermal layer of skin over the lunula. The perionyx is the projecting edge of the eponychium, covering the proximal strip of the lunula.
The nail plate, or nail body, is the hard nail area made of translucent keratin protein. It is formed by the proliferation of cells in the nail root, which is part of the matrix. The matrix produces new keratin that gathers at the nail plate and pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow.
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The hyponychium is the thickened region of stratum corneum
Nails grow from the nail sinus, or nail root, which is the base of the nail underneath the skin. The nail plate, or nail body, is the hard nail area from the nail root to the free edge. The nail bed, a specialised form of skin epithelium, has the same four layers as the epidermis of the skin, with the nail plate being analogous to the stratum corneum layer. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis (skin) and serves as the first line of defence between the body and the environment.
The stratum corneum is made up of corneocytes, which are like bricks mortared together by lipids, creating an outer water barrier. This layer is constantly shedding and can be harmed by some skin and body care products. The stratum corneum is constructed in this brick-and-mortar fashion to keep out bacteria and toxins and protect the inner layers of skin. Most areas of the stratum corneum are about 20 layers of cells thick, but this can vary depending on the region of the body and the species.
The nail itself has a protective function, shielding the distal end of each digit from injury. It also enhances precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails grow from a layer of skin called the nail matrix, which is located at the proximal end of the nail beneath the cuticle.
The nail matrix is made up of living epidermal cells that are responsible for nail growth.
The nail matrix works continuously to produce new nail material, allowing for the continuous growth and protection of our fingertips.
The nail matrix is made up of proliferating cells that divide and push older cells forward, creating the visible part of the nail called the nail plate.
