Structure Of The Nails

Question 1

Nail functions

Answer 1

Aid manipulation
Heighten the sense of touch
Provide rigid support at the end of the finger
Protect the end of the finger bone
Scratch and groom

Question 2

The structure of the nail

Matrix

Answer 2

Location-found immediately below the cuticle before the main body of the nail
Function- reproduces new cells that continue to divide
forms the nail plate itself.
a rich blood supply supply insures healthy nail growth.
if the matrix is seriously damaged the whole nail will be lost

Question 3

The structure of the nail

Nail bed

Answer 3

Location- situated under the nail plate

Function-It is well supplied with nerves blood and lymph vessels from the underlying dermis. the nail bed and its blood supply gives the nail its pink colour. its structure is supply nourishment

Question 4

The structure of the nail

Nail grooves

Answer 4

Location -there are two types of nail grooves

1. At either side of the nail plate
2. On the underside of the nail plate which interlocks with the grooves of a nail bed

Function- The nail grooves provide a surface upon which the nail plate moves as it grows guiding the nail and helps it to grow straight they also help to anchor the nail in place

Question 5

The structure of the nail

Hyponychium

Answer 5

Location-piece of skin under the free edge of the nail

Function-acts as a protective seal that defends against infections to the nail bed

Question 6

Structure of the nail

Free edge

Answer 6

Location-part of the nail which extends beyond the fingertips this is the part that we file
Function-Protects the fingertips and hyponychium used for fine grasping

Question 7

Structure of the nail

Nail plate

Answer 7

Location- This is the main visible part of the nail which rests on the nail bed

Function- Protects the nail bed

Question 8

Structure of the nail

Nail walls

Answer 8

Location-The nail balls are the folds of skin at the side of the nail plate

Function-they hold the nail in place and give some stability. they also help to protect the nail from external damage

Question 9

Structure of the nail

Lunula 

Answer 9

Location- this is the white crescent found towards the base of the nail and it is situated between the matrix and the nail plate
Function-does not have a known function

Question 10

Structure of the nail

Latural nail folds

Answer 10

Location- The folds of skin at the corner side of the nail plate

Function- they hold the nail in place and give some stability they help to protect the nail from external damage

Question 11

Structure of the nail

Eponychium

Answer 11

Location-overlapping skin at the base of the nail plate underneath the cuticle

Function-To protect the matrix from infection

Question 12

Structure of the nail

Cuticle

Answer 12

Location-The cuticle surrounds the base of the nail and is an extension of the horny layer of the epidermis it protrudes a short way onto the bottom of the nail plate
Function- protect the matrix against bacterial infection as it provides a protective seal