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1. Cells divide in the matrix and the nail grows forward over the nail bed, guided by the nail grooves, until it reaches the end of the finger or toe, where it becomes the freeedge. As they first emerge from the matrix the translucent cells are plump and soft, but they get harder and flatter as they move toward the free edge. The top two layers of the epidermis form the nail plate; the remaining three form the nail bed.The nail plate is made up of a protein called keratin, and the hardening process that takes place in the nail cells is known as keratinisation.
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OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this chapter you should be able to understand and recognise structure and function of the nail before the application of nail systems
tructure of the nail Nails A nail is a scale like modification of the epidermis that corresponds to the hoof or claw of other animals. Each nail has a free edge, a body (visible attached portion), and a root (embedded in the skin). The borders of the nail are overlapped by skin folds, called nail folds. Nails, like hairs, are mostly non-living material. Nails are transparent and nearly colourless, but they look pink because of the rich blood supply in the underlying dermis. Nails grow from the ends of the fingers and toes and serve as a form of protection. They also help when picking up small objects.
1. The nail plateCommonly known as the fingernail. It is the visible portion of the nail. The nail plate is composed of compact translucent layers of keratinised cells. It is this that makes up the main body of the nail. The layers of cells are packed very closely together, with fat but very little moisture. The nail gradually grows forward over the nail bed, until finally it becomes the free edge. The underside of the nail plate is grooved by longitudinal ridges and furrows, which help to keep it in place.In normal health the plate curves in two directions:· Transversely – from side to side across the nail· Longitudinally – from the base of the nail to the free edge.There are no blood vessels or nerves in the nail plate. This is why the nails, like hair, can be cut without pain or bleeding. The pink colour of the nail plate derives from the blood vessels that pass beneath it. Function: To protect the living nail bed of the fingers and toes
2. The free edgeThe free edge is the part of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip. This is the part that is filed.Function: To protect the fingertip and the hyponychium (see below)
3. The matrixThe matrix, sometimes called the nail root is the growing area of the nail. The division of cells in this area forms it, which is part of the germinating layer of the epidermis. It lies under the eponychium, at the base of the nail, nearest to the body. The process of keratinisation takes place in the epidermal cells of the matrix, forming the hardened tissue of the nail plate. Function: To produce new nail cells.
4. The nail bedThe nail bed is the portion of skin upon which the nail plate rests. It has a pattern of grooves and furrows corresponding to those found on the underside of the nail plate; these interlock keeping the nail in place, but separate at the end of the nail to form the free edge. The nail bed is liberally supplied with blood vessels, which provide the nourishment necessary for continued growth and sensory nerves, for protection. The nail bed is a continuation of the of the matrix Function: To supply nourishment and protection.
5. The nail mantleThe nail mantle is the layer of epidermis at the base of the nail, before the cuticle Function: To protect the matrix from physical damage.
6. The lunulaThe lunula is located at the base of the nail, lying over the matrix. It is white, relative to the rest of the nail. Commonly referred to as the half moon. There are two theories to account for: The lazuli may indicate the extent of the underlying matrix  The matrix is thicker than the epidermis of the nail bed, and the capillaries beneath it would not show through as well.Function: None.
7. The hyponychiumThe hyponychium is part of the epidermis under the free edge of the nail.Function: To protect the nail bed from infection.
8. The nail groovesThe nail grooves run alongside the edge of the nail plate.Function: To keep the nail growing forward in a straight line.
9. The perionychiumThe perionychium is the collective name given to the nail walls and the cuticle areaFunction: To protect the nail. This is where hangnails occur.
10. The nail wallsThe nail walls are the folds of skin overlapping the sides of the nails.Function: To protect the nail plate edges.
11. The eponychiumThe eponychium is the extension of the cuticle at the base of the nail plate, under which the nail plate emerges from the matrix.Function: To protect the matrix from infection.
12. The cuticleThe cuticle is the overlapping epidermis around the base of the nail. When in good condition, it is soft and loose.Function: To protect the matrix from infection.
The nail bed has a pattern of grooves and furrows corresponding to those found on the underside of the nail plate: the two surfaces interlock, holding the nail in place.
Fingernails grow at approximately twice the speed of toenails. It takes about 6 months for a fingernail to grow from cuticle to free edge, but about 12 months for a toenail to do so.

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