The document defines and describes the structure and function of nails. It discusses that nails are composed of keratin and line the tips of fingers and toes. The nail has several parts including the nail matrix that produces nail cells, nail bed, and cuticle. Nails grow at a rate of about 0.1 mm per day and various factors can influence growth rate. The document outlines common nail disorders and the importance of proper nail care including trimming nails regularly and using moisturizers.

1. NAIL
Presented By:
Pathan Mahewash A.

2. CONTENTS:
 Definition
 Functions of nail
 Structure
 Parts of nail
 Growth of nails
 Nail disorders
 Care of nails
 Conclusion
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3. NAIL
Nail is a plate of keratin that lines on the
tips of the fingers and toes & produced by living
skin cells in the finger.
OR
A nail is a horn-like envelope
covering the tips of the fingers and toes in most
primates and a few other mammals.
 It is composed largely of keratin, a hardened
protein.
 The average growth rate for nails is 0.1 mm each
day. 3

4. FUNCTIONS OF NAILS
1. Protection
2. enhancing the sensitivity of the fingertip
3. extended precision grip
4. cutting or scraping actions
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5. STRUCTURE OF NAIL
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6. PARTS OF NAIL
1. Lanula:
The whitish half moon at the base of
the nail.
2. Cuticle:
 The cuticle is the semi-circular
layer of non-living, almost invisible
dead skin cells that "ride out on”
and cover the back of the visible
nail plate
 Overlapping epidermis around
the nail. 6

7. 3. Free edge:
The portion of the nail that extends
past the end of the matrix bed.
4. Nail plate:
The actual nail, made of translucent
keratin.
100 layers of nail cells.
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8. 5. Matrix (matrix unguis,
keratogenous membrane, nail
matrix, or onychostroma)
 The hidden part of the nail unit
under the cuticle.
 Produces keratin cells that
make up the nail plate.
 Contains nerves, lymph and
blood vessels.
 The width and thickness of the
nail plate is determined by the
size, length, and thickness of
the matrix. 8

9. 6. The nail sinus (sinus unguis) is where the nail root is i.e.
the base of the nail underneath the skin. It originates
from the actively growing tissue below the matrix.
7. Hyponychium is slightly thickened layer of skin
underneath free edge.
8.The onychodermal band is the seal between the nail
plate and the hyponychium. It is just under the free edge,
in that portion of the nail where the nail bed ends.
9.Together, the eponychium and the cuticle form a
protective seal.
10.The nail wall (vallum unguis) is the cutaneous fold
overlapping the sides and proximal end of the nail.
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10. 11. Nail bed:
 skin underneath the nail plate.
 Deeper dermis & epidermis, attached by tiny
longitudinal grooves called matrix crests.
12. Specialized ligaments.
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11. GROWTH OF NAILS
 Fingernails require three to six months to re-grow
completely, and toenails require twelve to eighteen
months.
 Actual growth rate is dependent upon age, sex,
season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors.
 The growing part of the nail is under the skin at the
nail's proximal end under the epidermis, which is
the only living part of a nail.
 Rate increases dramatically in last trimester of
pregnancy.
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12. NAIL DISORDERS
1. onychatrophia:
 It is an atrophy or wasting away
of the nail plate which causes it
to lose its luster, become smaller
& sometimes shed entirely.
 Can caused by injury to the nail
matrix or by internal disease.
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13. 2.Leuconychia or white spots:
 Caused by tiny bubbles of air
that are trapped in the nail
plate layers due to trauma.
 This condition may be
hereditary & no treatment is
required.
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14. 3. Pterygium:
It is an outgrowth of the cuticle
which sticks to the surface
of nail plate.
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15. 4. Brittle nails:
 A vertical splitting or separation
of the nail plate layers at the
free edge of the nail plate.
 Caused due to over exposure
to water & chemical solvents.
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16. 5. Bruised nails:
Condition in which a blood clot
forms under the nail plate, forming
a dark purplish spot.
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17. 6. Eggshell nails:
Noticeably thin, white nail plate is
more flexible than normal.
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18. CARE OF NAILS
The care of nails is referred to as Manicuring .
Manicure preparations include:
 Nail lacquer/enamel/paint/varnish
 Enamel remover
 Powder polish
 Nail cream
 Nail bleach
 Cuticle remover
 Cuticle softener
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19.  NAIL LACQUERS :
“Nail lacquers are viscous
preparations intended
to decorate nails for fingers and
toes”.
 ENAMEL REMOVERS
Nail removers / nail cleansers are
defined as the mixture of
solvents containing small
amounts of fat intended to
remove the nail enamel.
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20.  Pharmaceutical nail lacquer
 Rehydrating nail hardener
 Nail strengthener
 Nail rebuilder
 Almond cuticle extract with ginseng extract
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21.  The best way to care for nails is to trim them regularly.
 Nails can dry out, just like skin. They can also peel,
break, and be infected.
 Toe infections, for instance, can be caused or
exacerbated by dirty socks, specific types of aggressive
exercise (long distance running), tight footwear, and
walking unprotected in an unclean environment.
 Common organisms causing nail infections include
yeasts and molds (particularly dermatophytes).
 Nail tools used by different people may transmit
infections.
 Standard hygiene and sanitation procedures avoid
transmission. In some cases, gel and cream cuticle
removers can be used instead of cuticle scissors.
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22. DIFFERENT TYPES OF NAILS ACCORDING TO
THEIR SHAPES:
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23. CONCLUSION:
 Nails even serve as defense to the fingers and toes
from any mechanical injury hence nail care by using
manicures is utmost important.
 It is vital to maintain well hydrated and moisturized
nails.
 Oil based nail conditioners should be used which
improves flexibility & reduce water loss.
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