Saturday, December 13, 2008

human nail

The nail plate is the actual nail, and it is composed of translucent keratin. Keratin is made up of compressed hard layers of a protein substance that is produced by the cells of the nail matrix. The pink appearance of the nail comes from the blood vessels located in the nail bed. The nail plate acts as a protective shield, shielding the delicate tissues of the underlying Nail Bed.The nail matrix (nail root) is found beneath the skin under the proximal nail fold. The cells within the nail root produce the nail plate and most of the nail bed. The leading edge of the nail matrix is seen as a white, crescent shaped structure called the lunula.The matrix is in fact the root of the nail. This area is not visible, it is hidden and protected by the Proximinal Nail Fold. The matrix produces keratin cells that make up the nail plate. As more and more cells are produced the older ones are pushed outwards and flattened, all this pushing and flattening results in the cells loosing their original white plumpish appearance. They eventually become transparent and become part of the nail plate.The nail folds protect the matrix. The Proximinal Nail Fold and the Lateral Nail Folds are part of our skin. The skin does not just end there, it in fact folds at the edges and continues beneath. This continuing skin acts as a protective barrier, it in fact protects and seals the matrix against bacteria and dirt that is common within our environment.The cuticle (eponychium) is situated between the skin of the toe and the nail plate, fusing these structures together and providing a waterproof barrier. The cuticle helps to prevent micro-organisms and moisture from harming the nail matrix. The Eponychium is in fact not the true cuticle. The eponychium attaches closely to the nail plate and moves with it as the nail plate grows. This extra growth of eponychium is generally freed and pushed back during a manicure. The eponychium’s function is to act as a barrier seal to stop bacteria, infection from getting to the matrix.We are constantly shedding dead skin cells throughout our daily life, the nail folds are no exception. The skin on the underside of the nail folds sheds constantly as the nail plate grows and rubs (sloughs) against it. These dead skin cells attach to the nail plate and become visible as the nail grows. This attached skin is referred to as the Ptygerium, dead skin cell or the true cuticle. This needs to be removed regularly in order to prevent a build up.

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