Nail Structure and Growth Flashcards
The appearance of the nails can reflect the general
health of the body.
The keratin in natural nails is harder than the
keratin in skin or hair.
The water content of a healthy nail is between
15 and 25 percent.
Nail plates are made of
dead cells, so they do not require oxygen;
nail beds are
live cells, so they do need oxygen, vitamins, and minerals.
Toenails are thicker and harder than fingernails because
the toenail matrix is longer than the fingernail matrix.
Ordinarily, replacement of a natural fingernail takes about
about 4 to 6 months;
Replacement of a toenail takes about
9 months to one year.
The natural nail is part of what system?
integumentary
The water content of the natural nail directly affects the nail’s:
flexibility
The most visible and functional part of the nail unit is the:
nail plate
The nail plate is constructed of how many layers of nail cells?
100
The part of the nail plate that extends over the tip of the finger or toe is called the:
free edge
The portion of living skin that supports the nail plate is the:
nail bed
The nail bed contains many nerves and is attached to the nail plate with a thin layer of tissue called the:
bed epithelium
The area of the nail where the nail plate cells are formed is the:
matrix
The dead, colorless tissue attached to the natural nail plate is the:
cuticle
The living skin at the base of the nail plate covering the matrix area is the:
eponychium
The slightly thickened layer of skin that lies between the fingertip and the free edge of the natural nail plate is the:
hyponychium
The tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds an organ in place is the:
ligament
Normal, healthy nails grow in a variety of shapes, depending upon the shape of the:
matrix
The average rate of nail growth in the normal adult is about:
1/10 inch per month
A hardened keratin plate that sits on and covers the nail bed
Nail plate
Also known as the onyx, composed mainly of keratin
Natural nail
Fold of skin overlapping the side of the nail
Lateral nail fold
Visible part of the matrix that extends from underneath the living skin
Lunula
The slits or furrows on the sidewall of the nail
Nail grooves
