NAILS Flashcards
Protects the nail bed and forms a seal to prevent entry of unwanted pathogens.
The Hyponychium
The shape of the ____________ determines the size and shape of the nail.
Matrix
Protective wall and seal around the sides of the nail
Lateral nail fold
OR
Side wall
The 3 layers of the nail plate
- Dorsal layer (uppermost & hardest)
- Intermediate layer (thickest)
- Ventral layer (bottom layer attached to nail bed)
Produces the cells that form the matrix and is an extension of the stratum germinativum.
Nail Root
Cells that form the nail
ONYCHOCYTES
The __________ is formed from thickened stratum corneum and is constantly being shed.
Cuticle
The visible part of the Matrix
Lunula
Functions of the Nail
- To protect the nail bed
- To enhance the fingertips’ sensitivity
- To assist the fingers when picking up objects or scratching.
Factors affecting nail growth
- Health and lifestyle
- Activity
- Circulation
- Age
- Diet
- Occupation
The fold of skin which overlaps the lunula at the base of the nail plate. It forms a seal to prevent micro-organisms entering into the surrounding tissues.
Eponychium
The epidermis surrounding the base and sides of the nail.
Perionychium
Structures that make up the nails
- nail bed
- nail root
- matrix
- nail grooves
- cuticle
- lunula
- eponychium
- hyponychium
- perionychium
- proximal nail fold
- free edge
- nail plate
TWO parts of the cuticle:
- Eponychium
* Perionychium
The part of the nail plate that extends beyond the fingertip.
Free edge
