Fingernail

Fingernail

The fingernail is a flat, keratinous structure located at the end of the human fingers. It is a part of the body's integumentary system and plays a crucial role in protecting the fingertips, enhancing sensitivity, and facilitating precise movements.

Structure

The fingernail is composed of several parts including the nail plate, the nail bed, the cuticle, the nail folds, the lunula, and the matrix.

• The nail plate is the hard, translucent part of the nail that is visible on the finger.
• The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate.
• The cuticle is a layer of clear skin located along the bottom edge of the nail.
• The nail folds are the skin that frames the three sides of the nail.
• The lunula is the half-moon shaped white area at the base of the nail.
• The matrix is the tissue which the nail protects and from where the nail grows.

Function

Fingernails serve several functions. They protect the fingertips from injury, enhance tactile sensation, and facilitate fine manipulation of objects. They also serve as a visual indicator of a person's general health, as changes in the color, shape, or texture of the nails can indicate various medical conditions.

Health and Disease

Fingernails can be affected by a variety of conditions, including fungal infections, bacterial infections, and injuries. Certain systemic diseases can also manifest in the nails, such as psoriasis, lung disease, and liver disease.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of the fingernails can prevent many nail disorders. This includes keeping the nails clean and dry, avoiding nail-biting or picking, and using moisturizer.

See Also

• Nail (anatomy)
• Nail disease
• Nail care
• Nail fungus
• Nail psoriasis

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