Nail plate
Nail Plate
The Nail Plate (pronounced: nāl plāt) is the hard and translucent portion of the nail, composed of keratin, which sits on and protects the underlying nail bed.
Etymology
The term "Nail Plate" is derived from the Latin word "Platus" meaning flat, and the Old English word "Næġl" meaning nail.
Anatomy
The Nail Plate is the largest and most visible part of the nail unit, which also includes the nail bed, nail matrix, nail folds, cuticle, and lunula. The Nail Plate is made up of layers of keratin, a type of protein, and is divided into three parts: the proximal part (closest to the body), the intermediate part, and the distal part (furthest from the body).
Function
The primary function of the Nail Plate is to protect the sensitive nail bed underneath. It also enhances the sensitivity of the fingertip and provides a counterforce to the fingertip pulp and finger pad.
Related Terms
- Nail bed: The skin beneath the nail plate.
- Nail matrix: The part of the nail bed that is responsible for producing cells that become the nail plate.
- Nail folds: The folds of hard skin at the sides of the nail plate where the nail and the skin meet.
- Cuticle: A layer of clear skin located along the bottom edge of the nail plate.
- Lunula: The crescent-shaped whitish area of the nail bed.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nail plate
- Wikipedia's article - Nail plate
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