Nails

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Nails (Anatomy)

Nails (/neɪlz/), in the context of human anatomy, are a part of the body's integumentary system. They are made up of a tough protective protein called keratin and are present at the end of each finger and toe.

Etymology

The term "nail" is derived from the Old English næġl, which has cognates in other Germanic languages. The word is related to the claw or hoof of an animal.

Structure

Nails consist of several parts, including the nail plate, the nail bed, the cuticle, the nail fold, and the lunula (the crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail).

Function

Nails serve multiple functions. They assist in tactile sensation and manipulation of small objects, protect the fingertips and toes, and can also serve as a visual indicator of a person's general health.

Related Terms

  • Keratin: The protein that makes up the majority of the nail structure.
  • Nail Plate: The hard and translucent portion of the nail, composed mostly of keratin.
  • Nail Bed: The skin beneath the nail plate.
  • Cuticle: The tissue that overlaps the nail plate at the base of the nail.
  • Nail Fold: The fold of hard skin at the sides of the nail plate where the nail and the skin meet.
  • Lunula: The crescent-shaped whitish area of the nail bed.

Health and Disease

Changes in the nails, such as discoloration or changes in growth patterns, can be indicative of various systemic diseases. For example, clubbing (a deformity of the fingers and fingernails) is often associated with diseases of the heart and lungs. Onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nail) is a common condition that can cause discoloration and thickening of the nails.

External links

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