3. Why do we need to know the parts or
structures of our nail
How long will it take for the nail to
completely replace itself?
4.
5. Nail is a plate of keratin that lies on the
tips of the fingers and toes. The main
purpose of the nail is to protect the fingers
and toes, however, the fingernail also
assists with certain physical activities in
daily life.
6.
7. Nail Root- this is where the growth of nails occurs. It is locaed
beneath the skin at the base of the nail. It extends out several
millimeters.
Nail bed - the part of the nail where the nail plate rests on,
also a continuation of the matrix. It is abundantly supplied
with blood vessels and nerves, having numerous parallel
ridges which dovetail exactly with the ridges on the under
surface of the nail plate.
Nail Plate - is visible nail that rests on the nail bed up to the
free edge. This is made up from dead cells and minimum
amount of moisture. The nail is semi-transparent – allowing
the color of blood supply of the dermis to show.
8. Eponychium- The nail is surrounded by an overlapping
epidermis called the cuticle. Cuticle protects the matrix
from being invaded by bacteria and the nail from physical
physical damage. It is situated between the finger and
the nail plate. It fuses the finger and the nail plate
structures together by providing a water-proof barrier.
Perionychium- This part is also called the paronychial
edge. Perionichium is the site of the hangnails, ingrown
nails and an infection of the skin called paronychia.
Hyponchium- This is the portion of the skin located at
the end of the fingers, underneath the free edge.
9. OTHER PARTS OF THE NAIL
Lunula - the pearly colored and crescent shaped is due to the
cells being pushed closely together, the blood capillaries
cannot be seen through the lunula because of this.
Cuticle - the overlapping epidermis around the nail. It is the
transparent skin, which is called the 'true cuticle’ that is
removed during the manicuring process
Free edge -the part of the nail that can be filed and shaped. It
is an extension of the nail plate that overlaps the
hyponychium
10. Matrix - the only living reproducing part of the nail.
This is situated directly below the cuticle. New cells
form here and continually push towards to produce
the nail plate. It also contains blood vessels and
nerves. Blood supply provides the cells with
nourishment. If the matrix is damaged the nail will
grow deformed.
Nail walls - the folds of skin that overlap the sides of
the nail. They hold your nail in place and protect the
nail plate edges.
Nail grooves- The area at the side of the nails upon
which the nail moves. It acts as a guideline for the
nail to follow.
11. How long will it take for the nail to
completely replace itself?
12. General health, adequate nutrition, age and
even the time of the year affects the rate of nail
growth. Nail continuously grow throughout the
life and are not normally shed. They are
approximately growing about half to one
millimeter per week. Toe nails grow slower
compared to fingernails. They take
approximately one third to one half the
growth rate of the fingernails. Nails take 5-7
months for the nail plate to completely replace
it. From the time it is formed at the root, until it
reaches out beyond the fingertip.
13. Why do we need to know the
parts or structures of our nail?