The structure of the nail: diagram, description and composition of the plate

Nails are a special part of the human body. The structure of this anatomical part is rather complex.

The nail plates are part of the skin of the human body. They are not skin in structure, but they also perform a number of specific functions. Doctors note that the nail plates belong to the appendages of the skin. Nails are relatively dense plates, usually rounded, covering the distal phalanges of the fingers.

Some people have round nails, others have almost square nail plates. Even the density of the nail plates is different. This indicator is determined by many factors, including genetic ones. For some people, nails remain strong for a long time and rarely break, for others they often crumble and break off.

At first glance, it may seem that the anatomical structure of the nail is quite simple, but this is not so. The nail plates, located both on the hands and on the legs of a person, are rather complicated. Several anatomical structures are involved in the construction of these elements. A description of the structure of the nails is given in many medical textbooks. Understanding the "structure" of the nail plates helps to understand how and at what speed they grow. And also the structure of this part of the body is important in determining various pathologies associated with a violation of the appearance of the nails.

The nail plate is tightly attached to the distal phalanx of the toe. It has several edges.The lower edge of the nail ends with a skin fold called the cuticle. This anatomical element is formed by epithelial cells. They are constantly being updated.

The nail bed is an important anatomical element of any nail. It is at his expense that blood supply and innervation of the nail plate occurs. Any damage to this area contributes to the fact that the nails begin to grow more slowly, and their appearance changes significantly. The nail has several anatomical units. One of them is the root. It is partially hidden by skin ridges (cuticles). It is this part that affects how the length of the nail plate will grow.

A small part of the nail root can be seen. It is called lunula. This area looks like a white strip at the bottom of the nail plate. The size and shape of the lunula is individual for each person. However, on average, the lunula does not exceed 1/3 of the entire nail plate. The color of a healthy moonula is white.

For some people, lunulae are quite large: for example, athletes or people who work physically.

The nail matrix is ​​an important area of ​​any nail. It is represented by actively dividing cells. It is this zone that is responsible for how intensively the nail will grow. Damage to the matrix is ​​very dangerous. If this area is damaged (for example, during a manicure or pedicure), then in the future you can face the appearance of strong brittle nails and their slow growth.

Onychoblasts are important cells that are involved in the formation of the nail. These cells are characterized by the fact that they are actively dividing. The active work of onychoblasts leads to the fact that the nail plate begins to lengthen. The work of these cellular elements depends on how well the blood supply to the nail bed. The nail plate consists of several layers of epithelial cells. They are constantly being updated. This renewal is a vital process. Thanks to this biological process, the nail plate is constantly growing. If this process is disrupted for some reason, then this leads to the fact that the nail plates change their appearance or begin to break strongly.

The free edge is the distal part of any nail plate. When a manicure or pedicure is done, the main work is done with this particular area. The free edge of the nail plate has no nerve endings or blood vessels. That is why there is no bleeding and unpleasant sensations while filing this area with a nail file. Another part of the nail that is sometimes overlooked is the sinuses. This is where the nail plate contacts the folds of the skin. It is necessary to handle the sinuses carefully during a manicure or pedicure. Careless handling of this area can be dangerous in that it can be infected. It is only necessary to process the sinuses with a tool that has been previously disinfected.

The chemical composition of the nail is as complex as the anatomical one. The main structural element of any nail plate is keratin. This component belongs to protein substances.

Many manufacturers add keratin to hair care products (shampoos, conditioners and masks).

Keratin provides nail strength. The special structure of keratin molecules determines the special strength of this component. To build one protein molecule, several amino acids are used, which contain sulfur.These components, through special chemical bonds, are connected to each other, which ensures the strength of keratin. Biologists note that this protein substance in its strength is second only to chitin - the integumentary element of insects.

The nail plates also contain other elements. So, they contain fats. These substances provide the appearance of the nail plates. It is because of the lipid components that the nail plates look shiny. Water is also contained in the nail plates. Many minerals have also been found in the nails. The strength of the nail plates is due to the presence of calcium, zinc, chromium and other mineral compounds in them. If these minerals enter the body in an insufficient amount due to an unbalanced diet or the presence of chronic diseases, then this can cause problems with the nails.

The nail is an important part of any organism. These plates protect against the penetration of various microorganisms into the internal environment. And also the protective function of nails is that they are a kind of obstacle to the entry of various chemicals into the body. Protects nails from the effects of temperatures on the distal parts of the fingers. And also these dense plates protect the nerve endings from the effects of various factors on them. This feature was carefully thought up by nature in order to protect the nervous system from various damages.

Healthy nail plates have a characteristic appearance. Their color is pale pink with a white moon. The skin ridges that surround the nail plate do not differ in color from other skin integuments.

The color of the nail may change. Yellowing of nails quite often occurs due to diseases of the liver and gallbladder. And also biliary dyskinesia, which proceeds with the development of bile stagnation, can lead to such a specific change in the nail.

The nails also turn yellow due to a fungal infection. Fungus of the nails can lead to a deterioration of the condition of the nails: they become more brittle and easily crumble. Usually, the damage starts from the free edge. With an advanced course of a fungal infection, the fungus affects almost the entire nail plate and even the nail matrix. If the root of the nail is damaged, then this can lead to the fact that in the future, its growth is also disrupted. Severe flaking of nails is another common problem people go to dermatologists for. In some cases, this problem is so significant that it brings severe discomfort. If the nails are too thin, it can be difficult to grow them back.

There should be no lines or stripes on healthy nail plates. If they appear for no particular reason, then this indicates that some specific changes are taking place in the body. So, the appearance of numerous white horizontal stripes usually indicates that the body is in great need of vitamins (for example, B12) or some minerals (calcium, zinc). Deep grooves can also appear on the nails. Their depth can be different. If such deep grooves appear on several nails at once, then this may indicate the presence of diseases of the liver, kidneys and even intestines. Chronic pathologies of the heart and blood vessels can also lead to the appearance of such disorders.

Any change in the appearance of your nails should be a warning sign.

After a series of analyzes and medical tests, it will be possible to determine the real cause that led to such violations.

Beautiful nails are a reason for pride.To make the nail plates look beautiful, they need to be looked after. Hands should be washed using gentle soap. It is advisable to choose cosmetic products that do not contain hazardous and aggressive ingredients. This will help prevent excess dryness from developing.

Modern cosmetic manufacturers produce many of these products. Cuticle moisturizing creams have a rather greasy consistency and nourish this delicate part well. And also for the care of the cuticle, you can use various oils.

Manicure is an important procedure for the care of the nail plates. It can be done both independently and in a beauty salon. At home, manicure should be performed only with tools that have been thoroughly disinfected. If the manicure is carried out in the salon, then an experienced specialist should carry it out. Before carrying out such a procedure, you should definitely ask the master how he processed the tools for processing nails.

For more information on the anatomy of the nail plate, see the video below.