Lesson #3 Flashcards
List the parts underneath the nail
Nail bed
Nail matrix
Lunula
Nail bed
The portion of the skin where the nail body rests
Secures the nail to the toes and finger
Supplied with blood vessels which provide nourishment for growth of the nail
Supplied with nerves
Nail matrix
Extends beneath the nail root
Contains nerves, lymph and blood
Produces nail cells and controls the rate of growth of the nail; cells undergo a reproducing and hardening process
The matrix grows as long as it remains in a healthy condition
Injury to the matrix may cause deformation in the nail or prevent growth
The “heart” of the nail where special skin cells are formed to make the nail plate
Lunula
The visible half moon
This is where the matrix connects with the nail bed
The pale colour is due to lessened blood supply in the area
Exists in varying degrees in all the nails
List the parts of the skin of the nail
CUTICLE:
- eponychium
- hyponychium
- perionychium
SOLE HORN
NAIL MANTLE
LATERAL NAIL FOLD
NAIL GROOVE
ONYCHONDERMAL BAND
Cuticle
The overlapping part of the epidermidis around the nail creating a fold
Protects the nailbed and prevents particles from entering under the nail plate
What does the cuticle consist of?
Eponychium
Hyponychium
Perionychium
Eponychium
The extension of the cuticle at the base of the nail body overlapping the lunula
Hyponychium
 The portion of the epidermis under the free edge
Perionychium
The part of the skin that surrounds the entire nail area
Sole horn
This type of cuticle is a layer of translucent, dead tissue
shared from the seal between the nail plate and the hyponychium
Sloughs off on its own or is removed during the manicure
This skin can become stained with nicotine or other chemicals and will have discolouration
Nail mantle
Soft tissue that protects the emerging nail plate
The nail root is embedded into the nail fold
It is the base of the mail where new cells are produced
Lateral nail fold
An extension of the proximal nail fold which protects each side of the nail plate
Nail groove
Grooves on either side of the nail bed which the nail grows on
ONYCHONDERMAL band
The seal between the nail plate and the hyponychium
Found just under the free edge and can be recognized by its glassy, greyish colour
What is the average rate of growth?
1 mm or less per day
Average adult
Factors that affect the rate of growth
Varries from digit to digit
Age
Individual
Environmental temperature
Time of day
The speed of growth is directly related to
The length of the digit
(The longer the finger the faster the nail growth)
Possibly due to blood supply and activity of the area
Fastest growing nail
Middle finger nail
Slowest growing nail
Little finger
Range of growth 0.5-1.2 mm per week
Why do nails grow more quickly in the summer than in the winter? 
Because the heat stimulates the blood circulation to the nails
Growth of nails peak when
10-14 years of age
Age growth of nail declines
After 20
List slow nail growth factors
Heredity and health 
How often you use hands
Poor circulation
Malnutrition
Lactation
Serious infections
Psoriasis
Certain medications
Immobilization / paralysation
Characteristics of healthy nails
Strength
Hardness
Flexibility
Toughness
What factors affect nails health?
Exposure to water
Household solvents (cleaners)
How does water exposure affect nails?
Water absorbs into the nail plate causing nails to shift and change shape
Repeated or prolonged exposure to water can result in dry, split, brittle, or peeling nails
How do household cleaners affect nails?
May have a lasting effect on the nail plate
Overexposure results in irritation or allergic contact dermatitis
Symptoms: red, swollen, irritated, itchy skin
It is recommended that people wear gloves when exposing themselves to excess amounts of water or household cleaners
