As a nail technician, the knowledge of nail anatomy is of paramount importance to you. It will give you a better understanding of the nail and a professional edge in answering your clients questions.
MATRIX (KERATOGENOUS MEMBRANE OR MATRIX UNGUIS) is the place where cells that form nail plate are produced.
The superficial nail plate is created in the part of the matrix called proximal matrix while in distal matrix, the deeper part of the nail plate is created. The size of the matrix is a major determinant of the width and thickness of the nail plate. The nail rests on the matrix.NAIL ROOT (Radix unguis)
The nail is rooted in the nail sinus. The nail sinus is a deep furrow embedded underneath the skin.
NAIL PLATE (Corpus unguis)
This is a hard translucent keratin protein. The average person's plate is made up of fifty (50) layers of keratin cells. Thin nails are as a result of small matrix while thick nails prove the existence of large keratin matrix and more than fifty (50) layers of keratin.
The picture color of the nail comes from the blood vessels located under the nail.
NAIL BED
Nail bed is a thin layer of dead tissues that attaches tightly to the nail plate. It is like seal between the nail plate and the eponychium and also protects the matrix from pathogens' infection.
PERIONYCHIUM (Paronychial edge)
This is the part of the skin that overlies the nail plate on its sides. It is also known as Paronychial edge, site of hangnails and ingrown nails. Infection in this part of the nail is called Paronychia.
EPONYCHIUM
The outer part of the skin that covers the the matrix is known as eponychium. It is just proximal to the cuticle and binds the nail to the underlying skin at proximal margin.
HYPONYCHIUM
This potion of the skin lies between the nail plate and fingertip. It is also the junction between free edge of nail and fingertip.
PROXIMAL FOLD
A tight skin that protects the matrix from germs.
LUNULA
The front part of the matrix is called lunula which is most visible on the thumb and middle finger.
FREE MARGIN (Margo liber)
This is the interior margin of the nail plate that is corresponding to the cutting or abrasive edge of the nail.
NAIL GROWTH
Human nails grow always and at different rates. Gender, hereditary, season, age, and poor blood circulation affect the nails' growth in variety of ways.
The finger nails grow at a rate of approximately three 3 mm per month which is obviously faster than the rate at which the toe nails grow. Some people's toe nails grow at the rate of 1 mm per month and takes more than one year to complete a replacement.
The finger nails require from three (3) to six (6) months to complete a replacement.
LEARN MORE FROM GOOD BOOKS.
Toenails that have grown thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, curved toenail treatment can become painful. Prompt treatment is key to curing the nail fungus.
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