1. Structure and function
The Nail
Structure and function

2. 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

3. Structure of the nail

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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

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

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