Answered: Describe the structure of nails.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

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Question

Describe the structure of nails.

Expert Solution

Step 1

The nails are keratinous structures having a claw-like appearance usually seen in the finger of primates. They help in crawling, scratching, and protecting the finger from external injuries.

Step 2

The nail structure comprises nail root, nail bed, nail plate, Eponychium(cuticle), Perionychium, Hyponychium, nail sinus, and free margin.

The nail root is often referred to as the germ matrix. Its edge is called the lunula, a white crop. The root of this claw lies beneath the muscle, below the nail, which stretches into the finger several millimeters. Most of the nail and nail bed volume is generated.
The nail bed is called the sterile matrix. It spreads to the hyponychium from the edge of the root of the nail or lunula. The nail bed includes melanin-generating blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes. When the root creates the nail, the nails are streaming down the nail bed to make the nail thicker.
The nail plate is composed of transparent keratin, which is the real fingernail. The pink look of the nail comes from the underlying blood vessels. The nail plate base is covered with grooves that extend down the nail length and help attach them to the nail bed.
Eponychium - Generally, the eponychium is called the cuticle. The cuticle is between the finger's skin and the nail plate. It combines these mechanisms and creates an impermeable membrane.
Perionychium is a skin known as the paronychia found on the sides of the nail plate.
The hyponychium is the zone between the nail plate's free edge and the fingertip skin. It is also a water-resistant barrier.
The nail sinus is the base of the nail behind the skin. It comes from the matrix below the actively expanding tissue.
The free margin or side of the nail is the nail plate's front edge, which is the same as the nail's scraping edge.