Nail (anatomy)
Nail (anatomy)
The nail (pronunciation: /neɪl/) is a specialized structure part of the human body, specifically found at the terminal portions of the limbs.
Etymology
The term "nail" is derived from the Old English næġl, akin to the Old High German nagal, and the Old Norse nǫgl, all meaning 'nail'.
Anatomy
Nails are made up of a tough protective protein called keratin. This protein also makes up the hair and the outer layer of the skin. Each nail anatomically has a body, free edge, and a root. The nail body is the visible part of the nail. The free edge is the distal portion of the nail that grows out. The root is embedded in the skin and it is from here that the nail grows.
Function
Nails serve multiple purposes. They aid in tactile sensation and enhance the sensitivity of the fingertip and toe. They also provide protection to the distal phalanx, the extreme end of the fingers and toes. Additionally, they are used for scratching and manipulating small objects.
Related Terms
- Cuticle: The tissue that overlaps the nail plate at the base of the nail.
- Lunula: The crescent-shaped whitish area of the nail bed.
- Hangnail: A small, torn piece of skin next to a fingernail or toenail.
- Nail bed: The skin beneath the nail plate.
- Nail plate: The hard and translucent portion, composed of keratin.
- Nail fold: The fold of hard skin at the sides of the nail plate where the nail and the skin meet.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nail (anatomy)
- Wikipedia's article - Nail (anatomy)
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