Fingernail
Fingernail
The fingernail is a flat, keratinous structure located at the end of the human fingers. It is a part of the body's integumentary system and plays a crucial role in protecting the fingertips, enhancing sensitivity, and facilitating precise movements.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The fingernail is composed of several parts including the nail plate, the nail bed, the cuticle, the nail folds, the lunula, and the matrix.
- The nail plate is the hard, translucent part of the nail that is visible on the finger.
- The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate.
- The cuticle is a layer of clear skin located along the bottom edge of the nail.
- The nail folds are the skin that frames the three sides of the nail.
- The lunula is the half-moon shaped white area at the base of the nail.
- The matrix is the tissue which the nail protects and from where the nail grows.
Function[edit | edit source]
Fingernails serve several functions. They protect the fingertips from injury, enhance tactile sensation, and facilitate fine manipulation of objects. They also serve as a visual indicator of a person's general health, as changes in the color, shape, or texture of the nails can indicate various medical conditions.
Health and Disease[edit | edit source]
Fingernails can be affected by a variety of conditions, including fungal infections, bacterial infections, and injuries. Certain systemic diseases can also manifest in the nails, such as psoriasis, lung disease, and liver disease.
Care and Maintenance[edit | edit source]
Proper care and maintenance of the fingernails can prevent many nail disorders. This includes keeping the nails clean and dry, avoiding nail-biting or picking, and using moisturizer.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Fingernail Resources | ||
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD