Nails Flashcards
What is the primary function of nails?
To protect the nail bed and the tips of the bones of the distal phalanges.
What determines the shape, curvature, and length of the nail?
The distal phalanges bones determine the overall length, shape, curvature and spread of the nail unit, influencing the curvature of the matrix and thus the form of the nail plate.
How long does it take for a fingernail to grow from the cuticle to the tip?
Fingernails take approximately 6 months to grow from the cuticle to the tip.
How long does it take for a toenail to regrow once removed?
It can take up to 12 months for a toenail to regrow once removed.
What causes toenails to thicken as they grow?
Repeated minor pressure from footwear while walking is believed to be the cause of toenail thickening.
What factors influence the growth rate of nails?
Age, medications and diseases may influence the growth rate of nails.
What is the nail matrix?
The nail matrix is living tissue responsible for producing the new cells necessary for nail growth. Damage to this area can cause splits, ridges, and other deformities in the nail.
What is the mantle in the context of nails?
The mantle is a layer of epidermis at the base of the nail that protects the matrix from physical damage.
What is the nail plate composed of?
The nail plate consists of approximately 50 layers of keratinised epithelial cells, tightly compacted together, forming a protective layer over the underlying nail bed.
Can water and oils penetrate the nail plate?
Water can penetrate the nail plate’s cells, but many oils cannot due to their larger molecular sizes.
