NAIL STRUCTURE

structure of the nail

The nail is made up of different parts. Using this diagram label the sheet provided.

​

​Structure of the nail

​1.3 Nails

MATRIX

Only living part of the nail

Where new cells are produced

Good blood supply and plenty of nerve endings

NAIL BED

Continuation of the matrix that supports the whole nail

Lies directly underneath the nail plate

Contains many blood vessels and nerve endings

NAIL PLATE

Main body of the nail, protects the nail bed

Made up of a substance called Keratin

Made up of approx 100 sheets of flattened cells. 

Part that you paint

CUTICLE

Is tightly attached to the nail plate

When it is soft and loose it is in good condition

It protects the matrix from bacteria and makes a water tight seal

Divided into the perionychium and eponychium

The perionychium is the cuticle at the sides of the nail and the eponychium is the cuticle at the base of the nail, below the half moon.

​PERIONYCHIUM & EPONYCHIUM

FREE EDGE

Extension of the nail plate

Grows over and beyond the finger tip

It is the hardest part of the nail

Part that you file

HYPONYCHIUM

The area of skin that rests directly underneath the free edge where the nail separates from the nail bed

Forms a watertight seal that protects the nail bed from infection, prevents things from going behind the nail plate

Be careful when you cut the nails as some people have a large hyponychium, if cut it will bleed.

​HYPONYCHIUM

LANULA (HALF MOON)

Visible part of matrix

Not always visible but always there.

Lighter in colour as the cells are only partially keratinised

Thinnest and softest part of the nail plate

TASK

TO BE COMPLETED IN ALF

Using the diagram provided, label each part and make notes about the structure and function.using the slides provided. This will be handed in at the end of the ALF session to be checked