Nail Anatomy

Nails
Function of the nail:
• Provides protection to
the extra sensitive
areas of the fingers and
toes
• To protect the nail bed
• Assists with grasping
objects or scratching
Structure of the nail (1)
• This diagram shows the

nail structure with half of
the nail plate removed to
reveal the nail bed.
Structure of the nail (2)
• This diagram shows a

cross section of the nail
in its bed.
• Note the matrix area
where the nail cells
begin to germinate.
The structures that make up the nail
• Matrix • Cuticle
• Mantle • Eponychium
• Nail bed • Perionychium
• Lunula (half moon) • Hyponychium
• Nail plate • Free edge
• Nail wall • Nail fold
The matrix
• The matrix is situated in the dermis in an area

of dense, fibrous tissue, known as the mantle.
• This is the reproductive part (living part) of the
nail, where the cells begin to grow.
• It contains nerves, blood and lymph vessels.
• The cells are called onychocytes that make
the nail. There is up to 20 layers of actively
dividing cells.
The mantle
• The mantle is situated

in the dermis.
• It is an area of dense,
fibrous tissue.
• The matrix lies in this
area.
The nail bed
• The nail bed is

underneath the nail
plate.
• It is a continuation of
the matrix.
• It is similar to ordinary
skin.
• It contains a good
supply of nerves and Picture of Anoychia- complete
blood vessels. absence of the nail plate. Causes
include a congenital condition
The lunula (or half moon)
• The lunula is at the base of the nail, linked to

the nail plate.
• Sometimes it is hidden by the cuticle.
• It is the visible part of the matrix.
• It is shaped like a crescent moon, hence its
other name.
• It appears translucent.
The nail plate
• The nail plate lies on top of the

nail bed.
• It consists of compressed keratinised
cells.
• The cells are produced by the matrix.
• The plate is made up of three layers.
• The dorsal layer- the top layer, the hardest layer
• The intermediate layer- in the middle, the thickest layer
• The ventral layer- bottom layer, thin and soft layer of soft
keratin cells
• All 3 layers are bound together by sulphur bonds, moisture
and fat. If a client has a poor diet then this can cause the nails
to peel. Too much moisture can cause the nail to soften and
split.
The (proximal) nail fold (PNF)
• Found at the base of the nail

• The nail root and matrix is embedded within
the PNF
• The PNF protects these structures
The nail wall
• The nail wall is situated around the sides of

the visible plate.
• It consists of skin.
• It provides a framework to support the nail
plate and seal the sides of the nail to prevent
things penetrating under the nail
The cuticle
• The cuticle is split into Perionychium
two sections
• The cuticle is the horny
layer of the epidermis Eponychium
and grows up with the

nail
• It constantly sheds old
cells and produces new
ones.
• It acts as a barrier to
protect the matrix.
The Eponychium
• The eponychium is an
extension of the cuticle
at the base of the nail.
• It prevents micro-
organisms entering
• A healthy eponychium
should be soft, supple
and secure.
• This is the part of the
cuticle that is freed
during a
manicure/pedicure
The perionychium
• The perionychium
surrounds the nail
borders.
• It acts as a framework
to support the nail plate.
The hyponychium
• The hyponychium is
situated under the nail
plate, where the free-
edge is formed.
• It provides protection.
• It is made up of the
horny layer of the
epidermis.
The free edge
• The free edge is the

extension of the nail
plate which grows over
and beyond the finger
tip.
• It protects the nerves at
the fingertip.
• It is the hardest part of
the nail.
• It is the structure we
shape during a
manicure.
Nail groove
• Folds in the surface

that holds the nail plate
securely.
• They guide the nail as it
grows up.
Nail growth
• The cells, onychocytes, in the matrix

reproduce (mitosis) to form the nail plate.
• Cells need a good supply of oxygen and
nutrients.
• As the cells multiply they are pushed up the
nail bed.
• As they are pushed up, the cells die and
harden.
Nail growth
• What is this process known as?
• Keratinisation
Nail growth
• Can you think what might affect the rate of growth and
the condition of the nail?
• Lifestyle choices
• occupation
• Illness
• Medication
• Age
• Time of year
• Injury to the matrix
• Neglect
Nail growth
• How long do you think it takes a healthy nail to grow

from the matrix to the free edge?
• Approximately six months
• How long would an average finger nail grow in a
week?
• On average 1mm per week
• Would toe nails grow at the same rate?
• No, they are slower, growing about 0.5mm per
week
Healthy nails
• How would you describe a healthy nail?

• Supple unbroken cuticle
• No inflammation
• A natural sheen
• Pink glow from the nail bed
• No ridges or white spots
• An unbroken free edge

Nail Anatomy

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Nail Anatomy

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Nails

Function of the nail:

• This diagram shows the

• This diagram shows a

• The matrix is situated in the dermis in an area

• The mantle is situated

• The nail bed is

• The lunula is at the base of the nail, linked to

• The nail plate lies on top of the

• Found at the base of the nail

• The nail wall is situated around the sides of

• The cuticle is split into Perionychium

and grows up with the

• The free edge is the

• Folds in the surface

• The cells, onychocytes, in the matrix

• What is this process known as?

• How long do you think it takes a healthy nail to grow

• How would you describe a healthy nail?

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