NAIL THEORY
Like the hair, the nail is an appendage of the skin. The technical
name for the nail is onyx
(ON-iks) just like the gemstone of the same
name.
The study of the structure and growth of the nails is called
onychology
(on-ih-KOL-o-gee).
Nail Structure
The best way to learn nail structure is to examine a detailed diagram
of the nail.
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THE STUDY OF NAILS
Free Edge
Nail Body
Nail Bed
Nail Root
Nail Matrix
"You already know from Ch. 2
that ology means the study of
something. If you add onyx + ology,
PRESTO! You get onychology, one of
those words in which the x changes to ch
to make it easier to pronounce."
Side view, cross section of finger
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1. The Free Edge is the
part of the nail that extends beyond the
end of the finger and protects the tips of the fingers or toes.
2. The Nail Body
(nail plate)
is
the visible nail area from the nail
root to free edge. Made of layers. No nerves or blood vessels can
be found here.
3. The Nail Wall is
the folds of skin on either side of the nail
groove.
4. The Lunula is the half-moon shape at the base of the
nail, which appears white due to a reflection of light at the
point where the nail matrix and nail bed meet.
5. The Eponychium (ep-o-NIK-ee-um) is
the cuticle that
overlaps the lunula at the base of the nail.
6. The Cuticle is
the loose and pliable overlapping skin around
the nail.
7. The Nail Matrix is
the active tissue that generates cells,
which harden as they move outward from the root to the nail.
8. The Nail Root is
attached to the matrix at the base of the nail,
under the skin and inside the mantle.
9. The Mantle is
the pocket-like structure that holds the root
and matrix.
10. The Nail Bed is
the area of the nail on which the nail body
rests. Nerves and blood vessels found here supply nourishment.
Ligaments attach the nail bed to the bone.
11. The Nail Grooves are
the tracks on either side of the nail
that the nail moves on as it grows.
12. The Perionychium (PER-i-o-nik-ee-um) is
the skin that
touches, overlaps and surrounds the nail.
13. The Hyponychium (heye-poh-NIK-ee-um) is
the skin
under the free edge.
