Structure and function The Nail Structure and function

What will you learn? The structure of the human nail The function of the nail in general The function of the individual parts of the nail Factors affecting nail health and growth

Structure of the nail

What is a nail? The nail is made up of 3 parts: the matrix the nail plate the free edge The nail forms a protective covering for the ends of the fingers/toes

Functions of the nail Protect the tips of the fingers/toes Contains the hardest from of keratin Help to grasp small objects Scratching

Structure of the nail Matrix Very sensitive and easily damaged. Any damage here will be permanent. Only living part of the nail Function is to grow and replace cells that form the matrix Quality, strength and health of the nail is determind by the matrix

Nail bed Soft tissue underneath the nail plate Contains nerves, lymph & blood vessels. Part of the finger which the nail plate sits on. Grooves interlink with the those on the underside of the nail plate to help keep it in place.

Nail plate Lies on top of the nail bed Main part of the nail Pink colour due to soft tissue underneath being seen Made of layers of fat, moisture and growth cells Attached to blood vessels and nerve endings

Cuticle Overlapping skin around the base of the nail. Protects the matrix from invading bacteria and physical damage. The eponychium is the cuticle at the base of the nail. The peronychium is the cuticle at the sides of the nail.

Lunula Light coloured, half moon shaped area at the base of the nail Area where the matrix connects with the nail bed Its colour is due to new cells being pushed tightly together meaning that the blood capillaries cannot be seen.

Nail wall Skin on the sides of the nail above the nail grooves Provide a guide to the growing nail

Nail groove Slits of tracks in the nail bed at the sides of the nail Nail sits on these Helps to keep the nail in place

Free edge The part of the nail that extends beyond the tip of the nail. Protects the fingertip from damage . Helps you to scratch or grasp.

Bones of the hand and wrist The wrist is divided into 3 sections Carpals – 8 small bones making up the wrist Metacarpals – make up the palm, 1 metacarpal on each finger and thumb Phalanges – make up the fingers and thumb, 3 in each finger, 2 in the thumb

Nail Growth Average nail growth is 0.5mm – 1.2 mm – takes 5-6 months to grow from matrix to free edge Growth is quicker in summer than winter Growth slows as you age Fingernails grow faster than toenails Growth will be affected by: age general health medication dieting hormonal disorders damage to the matrix

Nail Shapes Usually mirror the line of the cuticle Vary with each individual When shaping the nails consider: 1. shape of the existing nail 2. client’s lifestyle and job 3. what the client wants 4. shape of the cuticles

Different nail shapes Square Good for short nails or long fingers Less likely to break as the nail wall provides good support Ideal for those who do manual work e.g. typists, medical staff, cleaners Not good for short fingers

Oval All purpose nail shape Flatters and softens the appearance of the hands Makes fingers look longer Hardwearing because of smooth edges and flexible shape

Round Practical nail shape Hardwearing, strong and neat Not as flattering to finger shape and length

Pointed Try to avoid this shape Nails have no support from the nail wall and therefore weaken and break easily

Squoval Balance between square and oval Common shape Good for most lengths