Anatomy of the Nail Nails Are appendages of hard colourless skin. They are modifications of the Epidermis and are made of clear horny cells of epidermis jointed together in a continuous plate. They grow by the constant multiplication of soft cells in the Matrix which are fused together making a solid plate. This is pushed forward on the bed and projects beyond the end of the finger. They are convex on the outer surface and concave on the inner and adhere closely to the underlying tissue Chemical Composition Carbon 51% Oxygen 21% Nitrogen 17% Sulphur A, Free Edge This part projects over the fingertip and is not connected to the nail bed. Usually whiter in colour due to density of dead skin cells. B, The Dividing Line/Flesh Line The line dividing the Free Edge and Nail Plate. C. The Nail Plate or Body The Nail Plate contains three layers the Hyponychium, the portion that holds the Nail Plate to the Nail Bed: The Distal, The top layer and the Proximal, the middle layer. Consists of a skeleton of compressed dead skin cells which are dry and hard. The layers are held together with a minimum of fat and moisture, both of which decreases with age. Average Growth Rate 1/8" per month Total Replacement of nail 5-6 months Growth Rate rises ~ Youth ~ Climate ~ Stimulus i.e. Typing, Nail Biting, Piano Playing etc. Growth Rate falls ~ Trauma ~ Drugs ~ Diet.
D, Lunula (half moon) A whitish pearly area at the base. Visible portion of the Matrix. Pale in colour due to diminished blood supply as it does not adhere so closely to the underlying tissue. Sometimes termed as the bridge between the living matrix and the dead cells that make up the nail plate
E. Cuticle The fold of skin that overlaps the nail and over the matrix. The edge is formed of dry keratinous dells, which must be kept pliable and free from the nail plate. If allowed to stick they stretch tighter as the nail moves forward, eventually tearing the skin. Provides a water tight skin.
F. Mantle The deep fold of the skin where the root is lodged for the purpose of protection.
G. The Root (the Matrix lies beneath) This is the living part of the nail. The new skin cells are reproduced to form the nail. Numerous nerve endings and blood vessels supply it. It is a delicate area made up of cells that can be displaced through illness or trauma. Damage to the Matrix can retard the growth completely.
H. Nail Bed Very rich in blood supply. Contains numerous blood capillaries. It is a continuation of the Matrix and similar to ordinary skin. It supports the Nail plate. It has any parallel ridges which dovetail exactly with similar ridges on the underside of the Nail Plate welding them firmly together. Both the Nail Bed and the Nail Plate are Matrix born and move together.
J. Nail Groove Furrowed tracks on either side of the Nail. !!<<img src="http://www.thenailwarehouse.biz/pinks/nyspecialbox.gif" width="450" height="29">
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