The structure of the nail: the scheme, description and composition of the plate

Nails are a special part of the human body. The structure of this anatomical part is quite complicated.

Nail plates are part of the skin of the human body. They are not skin-like in structure, but also perform a number of specific functions. Doctors note that the nail plate refers to the appendages of the skin. The nails are comparatively dense plates, having, as a rule, a rounded shape, covering the distal phalanges of the fingers.

In some people, the nails are rounded, others are owners of almost square nail plates. Even the density of the nail plate is different. This indicator is determined by many factors, including genetic ones. In some people, the nails remain strong for a long time and rarely break, while others often crumble and break off.

At first glance, it may seem that the anatomical structure of the nail is quite simple, but it is not. Nail plates, located both on the hands and on the legs of a person, are rather complicated. Several anatomical structures are involved in the construction of these elements. Description of the structure of the nails is given in many educational medical benefits. Understanding the "device" nail plates helps to understand how and with what speed they grow. As well as the structure of this part of the body is important in determining the various pathologies associated with the violation of the appearance of the nails.

The nail plate is tightly attached to the distal phalanx of the finger. It has several edges. The bottom edge of the nail ends with a skin roller called the cuticle. This anatomical element is formed by epithelial cells. They are constantly updated.

The nail bed is an important anatomical element of any nail. It is at his expense and is the supply of blood and innervation of the nail plate. Any damage to this zone contributes to the fact that the nails begin to grow more slowly, and their appearance changes significantly. The nail has several anatomical units. One of them is root. It is partially hidden by skin rollers (cuticle). It is this part that influences how the nail plate will grow in length.

A small part of the root of the nail can be seen. She is called moonula. This area looks like a white strip at the bottom of the nail plate. The size and shape of the moon is individual for each person. However, on average, the moon does not exceed 1/3 of the entire nail plate. The color of a healthy moon is white.

For some people, the moon is rather large: for example, for athletes or people who work by physical labor.

The nail matrix is ​​an important area of ​​any nail. It is represented by actively dividing cells. This zone is responsible for how intensively the nail will grow. Damage to the matrix is ​​very dangerous. If this zone is damaged (for example, during a manicure or pedicure), then in the future you may encounter the appearance of severe brittle nails and their slow growth.

Onychoblasts are important cells that are involved in the formation of the nail. These cells are characterized by the fact that they actively divide. The active work of onihoblasts leads to the fact that the nail plate begins to lengthen. The work of these cellular elements depends on how well the blood supply to the nail bed. The nail plate consists of several layers of epithelial cells. They are constantly updated. Such an update is a vital process. Thanks to this biological process, the nail plate is constantly growing. If this process is disturbed for some reason, then this leads to the fact that the nail plates change their appearance or begin to break down strongly.

The free edge is the distal part of any nail plate. When a manicure or pedicure is done, the main work is done with this particular area. The free edge of the nail plate has no nerve endings or blood vessels. That is why during filing manicure nail file in this area there is no bleeding and discomfort. Another part of the nail, which is sometimes forgotten, are the sinuses. This is the place where the nail plate is in contact with skin rollers. Handle the sinuses during a manicure or pedicure should be carefully. Careless treatment of this area can be dangerous in that it can be infected. It is necessary to process the sinuses only with a tool that has been previously disinfected.

The chemical composition of the nail is as quite complex as the anatomical. The main structural element of any nail plate is keratin. This component refers to protein substances.

Many manufacturers add keratin to hair-care products (shampoos, conditioners and masks).

Keratin provides strength nails. The special structure of keratin molecules determines the special strength of this component. To build a single protein molecule, several amino acids are used, which contain sulfur in their composition. These components through special chemical bonds are interconnected, which ensures the strength of keratin. Biologists point out that this protein substance is inferior in its strength only to chitin - the insect cover element.

The nail plate also contains other elements. So, they contain fats. These substances provide the appearance of the nail plates. It is because of the lipid components of the nail plate look shiny. Contained in the nail plate and also water. Many minerals are found in the nails. The strength of the nail plates due to the presence of calcium, zinc, chromium and other mineral compounds. If these minerals in the body due to an unbalanced diet or the presence of chronic diseases come in insufficient quantities, then this may cause problems with the nails.

Nail - an important part of any organism. These plates protect against the penetration into the internal environment of various microorganisms. As well as the protective function of nails is that they are a kind of obstacle to the ingress of various chemicals into the body. Protect the nails and from the effects of temperatures on the distal parts of the fingers. And also these dense plates protect the nerve endings from the influence of various factors on them. This feature was carefully thought up by nature in order to protect the nervous system from various injuries.

Healthy nail plates have a distinctive appearance. Their color is pale pink with a white moon. Skin rollers, which surround the nail plate, do not differ in color from other skin integuments.

Can change the color of the nail. Yellowing of the nails is quite often due to diseases of the liver and gallbladder. And also to this specific change in the nail can lead to biliary dyskinesia, which occurs with the development of bile stasis.

Nails also turn yellow due to a fungal infection. Nail fungus can lead to deterioration of nails: they become more fragile and crumble easily. Damage usually starts from the free edge. When the course of a fungal infection is running, the fungus affects almost the entire nail plate and even the nail matrix. If the root of the nail is damaged, it can lead to the fact that its growth will be further disturbed. Strong lamination of nails is another common problem that people turn to dermatologists with. In some cases, this problem is so significant that it brings pronounced discomfort. If the nails are strongly exfoliated, it can be difficult to grow them.

On healthy nail plates there should not be any lines and strips. If they appear for no particular reason, then this indicates that some specific changes occur in the body. Thus, the appearance of numerous white horizontal stripes usually indicates that the body is in dire need of vitamins (for example, B12) or some mineral substances (calcium, zinc). On nails can appear and deep grooves. Their depth may be different. If such deep grooves appeared on several nails at once, this may indicate the presence of diseases of the liver, kidneys and even the intestines. Chronic pathologies of the heart and blood vessels can also lead to such disorders.

Any change in the appearance of the nails should be an alarming symptom.

After a series of tests and medical tests, it will be possible to determine the real cause that led to such violations.

Beautiful nails - a reason for pride. To nail plate looked beautiful, they need to care for. Wash your hands with gentle soap. It is advisable to choose cosmetic products that do not contain dangerous and aggressive components. This will help prevent the development of excessive dryness.

Modern manufacturers of cosmetic products produce many such products. Cuticle moisturizing creams have a rather oily consistency and nourish this tender part well. And also for the care of the cuticle can use a variety of oils.

Manicure is an important procedure for the care of nail plates. It can be done both independently and in a beauty salon. At home, a manicure should be performed only with instruments that have been thoroughly disinfected. If the manicure is carried out in the salon, then it should be done by an experienced specialist. Before carrying out such a procedure, you should always ask the master how he processed the tools for nail processing.

Read more about the anatomy of the nail plate, see the video below.