A nail is a horn-like envelope covering the dorsal aspect of the terminal phalanges of fingers and toes in humans, most non-human primates, and a few other mammals. Nails are similar to claws, which are found on numerous other animals. Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protein called keratin, as are animals’ hooves and horns.
The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix and the nail bed below it, and the grooves surrounding it.
Nail Structure and Function
The nail is a complex unit composed of five major modified cutaneous structures: the nail matrix, nail plate, nail bed, cuticle (eponychium), and nail folds1 (Figure 1). The cuticle is an outgrowth of the proximal fold and is situated between the skin of the digit and the nail plate, fusing these structures together.2 This configuration provides a waterproof seal from external irritants, allergens, and pathogens.
This video only give you the very basics of nail anatomy. The information in this video is also applicable to toe nails.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wIuZywnBfg
Bundle Monster Nail Art Nailart Polish Stamp Stamping Manicure Image Plates Accessories Set
I am so glad I bought these image plates! I have tried quite a few of the plates in this set and have not had any problems with them. The price was irresistible for me, I will order many more plates if BundleMonster comes up with more designs. I do wish they had some larger designs that would cover the whole nail (the largest designs in this set do not cover my thumb nail completely)
*I measured one of the full nail designs and it was approximately 1cm X 1.4cm. Hope this info helps!
Fingernails actually help protect your fingers. If they weren’t there the tips of your fingers would get all scratched up. It also seems like they help us the grab hold of things.
Video: Hand, Subungual Hematoma Drainage
54 sec – Oct 22, 2009
Injury to the germinal matrix may lead to permanent nail loss. Nail bed anatomy is depicted in the images below. Nail bed anatomy figure 1. …
emedicine.medscape.com/article/82926-overview
The structure we know of as the nail is divided into six specific parts – the root, nail bed, nail plate, eponychium (cuticle), perionychium, and hyponychium.
Each of these structures has a specific function, and if disrupted can result in an abnormal appearing fingernail.
The nail plate is the hard and translucent portion of the nail, composed of keratin.
The Finger Muscles look like Mandarin slices O.o