The fingernail is an important structure made of keratin. The fingernail generally serves two purposes: it acts as a protective plate and enhances sensation of the fingertip. Nails can also help grasp small things. The protection function of the fingernail is commonly known, but the sensation function is equally important. The fingertip has many nerve endings in it that allow it to receive volumes of information about the objects we touch.
The nail acts as a counterforce to the fingertip, providing even more sensory input when an object is touched. Nails grow from the nail bed continuously but they slow down their growth rate with age, poor nutrition, or poor circulation.
The nail sinus sinus unguis is where the nail root is—at the base of the nail underneath the skin. It originates from the actively growing tissue below, the matrix. The root of the fingernail is also known as the germinal matrix.
This portion of the nail is actually beneath the skin, behind the fingernail, and extends several millimeters into the finger. The fingernail root produces most of the volume of the nail and the nail bed. This portion of the nail does not have any melanocytes, or melanin-producing cells. The edge of the germinal matrix is seen as a white, crescent shaped structure called the lunula. Each of these six components has a specific function, and if a component of the nail structure is disrupted, the nail can look abnormal.
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We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Nail Growth. Nail Structure. Was this page helpful? Follow these tips for good nail hygiene:. This article examines the reasons why we have fingernails and toenails — and the clues they give us about our overall health.
Learn more. You may or may not see a lunula at the bottom of each of your fingernails. Lunula are the small, white, half moon shapes found at the base of your…. Your fingernails can reveal a lot about the state of your health. Conditions ranging from stress to thyroid disease may be causing changes in your…. Normal, healthy nails appear smooth and have consistent coloring.
As you age, you may develop vertical ridges, or your nails may be a bit more brittle. Have you ever noticed little depressions in your fingernails and toenails?
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What Are Nails Made Of? Share on Pinterest. Your nails are made of keratin. Your visible nails are dead. Nails do have feeling — sort of. Fingernails grow about 3. Your nails stop growing when you die, though. So do the fingernails on your dominant hand. Seasons influence growth.
How much you use your hands affects growth, too.
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