1. Lesson Objectives To state the functions of the nail
To identify the anatomical regions of the nail
To label a diagram of the nail

2. The Nail An extension of stratum lucidum of epidermis
Composed of flattened cells which undergo keratinisation, giving nail hard appearance
Keratin is a protein that makes nail strong but flexible
Nutrients to nail are supplied via dermis

3. Functions of Nail
Protective covering at ends of phalangeal joints of fingers and toes
Enables us to touch, manipulate small objects and scratch surfaces

4. Diagram of Nail

5. Nail Matrix Found below cuticle Living cells are produced here
Receives supply of blood which supplies oxygen to nail and is vital to production of new cells

6. Nail Bed Found below nail plate A continuation of the matrix
Part of skin upon which nail plate rests
Richly supplied with blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves from underlying dermis
Provides nourishment and protection for nail

7. Cuticle Fold of overlapping skin that surrounds base of nail
Various areas – eponychium, perionychium, hyponychium
Protects matrix and provides protective seal against bacteria

8. Lunula
Semi-circular area of nail – called half-moon – that lies between matrix and nail plate
Area of nail where cells start to harden
Lunula is a bridge between living cells of matrix and dead cells of nail plate

9. Nail Plate
Main visible part of nail which rests on nail bed and ends at free edge
Made of layers of translucent, dead, keratinised
cells
Offers protection for nail bed

10. Nail Walls Folds of skin overlapping sides of nails
Surround three sides of nail and attach to sides of nail plate
Protect edges of nail plate from external damage

11. Nail Grooves Deep ridges under sides of nail
Guide nail and help it to grow straight

12. Free Edge Part of nail plate that extends beyond nail bed
Part of nail that is filed and is usually hardest part

13. Nail Mantle
Fold of skin in front of the cuticle which protects the matrix
Matrix is where the nail is made
It is the only living section of your nail, plus it contains nerves as well as blood vessels to ensure that cell processing can occur

14. Eponychium
The thickened layer of skin surrounding fingernails and toenails
Its function is to protect the area between the nail and epidermis from exposure to bacteria

15. The tissue bordering the root and sides of a fingernail or toenail
Perionychium
The tissue bordering the root and sides of a fingernail or toenail

16. Hyponychium
Hyponychium is the area of skin between the fingertip and the nail plate
Area of skin that provides the fingertip with a waterproof barrier to stop bacteria or debris from going under the nail plate and causing infection or damage

17. Nail Growth Start to grow on foetus – fourth month
Cells divide through a process called mitosis in the matrix
As new cells are produced, old cells pushed forward
Begin to harden and keratinisation occurs
Nail grows moves along the nail grooves
Help direct the nail forward

18. Nail Growth Continued
Approximately 6 months from the lunula to the free edge
3 mm per month
Toe nails grow slower than finger nails
Faster in summer due to UV radiation