What do they do?
Nails had a much bigger role to play in terms of gripping, as evidenced by the way animals use nails or claws to hold prey or cling to surfaces. However, the evolution of humans has removed the necessity for using
What do they do?
Nails had a much bigger role to play in terms of gripping, as evidenced by the way animals use nails or claws to hold prey or cling to surfaces. However, the evolution of humans has removed the necessity for using our nails this way, though there are instances wherein we do use nails to increase traction.
Today, the primary function of nails is to serve as protection, particularly for the sensitive tissues underneath the nail bed. Health care professionals also use nails as a quick, cursory diagnostic tool for the overall body state, as the appearance of nails can often indicate nutrition defects and even serious health problems.
Parts of a nail
The root of the nail is also called the nail matrix. It’s located under the nail fold, and cannot be seen even when the nail is carefully inspected. It’s designed this way so the root is not easily exposed to mechanical trauma. (Essentially, the nail folds are there for protection of sensitive nail parts.)The matrix is responsible for nail growth. It produces protein cells called keratin (a type of structural protein) that are pushed slowly outward, turning flat and transparent as they are pushed, ultimat