2. NAIL GROWTH

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.