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The nail plate is the hard keratinized structure that covers the nail bed and shields the fingertip. The matrix produces the cells that become the plate, while the lunula is only the visible portion of the matrix. The cuticle is soft tissue at the proximal nail fold.
Adult fingernails grow roughly 0.1 mm per day, which equals about 3 mm per month. Toenails grow more slowly, averaging about 1 mm per month. Growth rate varies with age, season, health, and circulation.
The nail plate is composed mainly of hard keratin, a fibrous protein rich in sulfur-containing amino acids. Collagen and elastin are connective-tissue proteins found in skin. Melanin provides pigment rather than structural strength.
The eponychium is the living tissue of the proximal nail fold that overlaps the base of the plate and forms a protective seal. The hyponychium seals the area under the free edge. The nail bed supports the plate, and the lunula is the visible matrix.
The nail bed is the vascular skin layer directly beneath the nail plate, extending from the lunula to the hyponychium. It helps hold the plate in place and appears pink through the translucent nail. The matrix is the germinative tissue, and the free edge extends beyond the fingertip.
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail, often caused by dermatophytes that digest keratin. Bacteria and viruses cause different types of nail and skin infections. Protozoa do not typically infect the nail unit.
The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with values below 7 being acidic and values above 7 being alkaline. A pH of 3 is therefore acidic. A neutral solution has a pH of 7.
Disinfection uses EPA-registered products to reduce or destroy pathogens on nonliving surfaces, but it does not necessarily destroy all spores. Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores. Cleaning removes visible debris, and antiseptics are used on living tissue.
Toenails typically grow about 1 mm per month, while fingernails grow about 3 mm per month, so toenails need less frequent trimming. Both toenails and fingernails have a matrix, a hyponychium, and a keratinized plate.
The eponychium is living tissue that seals the proximal nail fold and should not be cut, because breaking the seal can allow infection. The free edge may be filed, and the nail plate is not trimmed during a manicure. The hyponychium lies under the free edge.
A longitudinal dark band can indicate a serious condition such as subungual melanoma and requires medical evaluation. Nail technicians cannot diagnose or treat such conditions. Buffing or cosmetic camouflage could delay needed care.
Beau's lines are transverse grooves caused by a temporary interruption in matrix activity during illness, trauma, or stress. They grow out with the nail. Leukonychia is white discoloration, onychorrhexis is splitting, and paronychia is nail fold inflammation.
Ethyl methacrylate is the standard liquid monomer that polymerizes with acrylic powder to form a nail enhancement. It has a strong odor and should be used with adequate ventilation. Acetone is a solvent, alcohol is used for sanitizing, and hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer.
The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and contains connective tissue, nerves, blood vessels, glands, and hair follicles. The epidermis is avascular, and the stratum corneum is its outermost layer. Subcutaneous tissue is mainly fat and larger vessels.
Paronychia is inflammation or infection of the tissue around the nail, often with redness, swelling, and pus. It can be bacterial or fungal. Onycholysis is nail plate separation, leukonychia is white discoloration, and koilonychia is spoon-shaped nail formation.
Each hand has 14 phalanges: three in each of the four fingers and two in the thumb. The palm also contains five metacarpals, and the wrist contains eight carpals, but these are not phalanges.
The lunula is the visible distal portion of the matrix, where nail cells are newer and less compacted. This immature keratin scatters light and gives a whitish appearance. It is not caused by absent keratin or detachment.
Nail growth depends on blood supply and nutrition, so poor circulation can slow it. Warm weather, pregnancy, and younger age are generally associated with faster nail growth.
Acetone is a solvent that penetrates and softens cured acrylic or gel polymers so they can be removed. It does not harden the nail or sterilize the plate. Its action is solvent-based rather than neutralization.
Effective disinfection requires cleaning first to remove debris and then allowing the full label contact time. Visible organic matter can inactivate disinfectants. Dilution must follow the manufacturer's directions exactly.
The matrix is the germinative zone that produces keratinized cells; these cells compact and move distally to become the nail plate. The hyponychium seals the distal edge, and the nail bed provides vascular support. The nail does not attach directly to bone.
Onycholysis is detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed, often beginning at the free edge and creating a whitish space. It can result from trauma, moisture, psoriasis, or fungal infection.
The metacarpals form the palm, and their heads create the knuckles where they articulate with the proximal phalanges. Carpals form the wrist, while the radius and ulna are forearm bones.
Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites and must use a host cell's machinery to replicate, while bacteria can reproduce on their own. Some viruses are relatively resistant to certain disinfectants. Bacteria can cause skin and nail fold infections.
Alkaline soaps can remove natural oils and alter skin pH, weakening the skin's barrier and increasing dryness or irritation. They do not harden the matrix or instantly eliminate all bacteria. The nail's sulfur content is not raised by washing.
The nail plate is composed mostly of keratinized cells, and keratin provides its hardness and strength. Collagen and elastin are structural proteins found mainly in skin connective tissue, while melanin is a pigment.
The epidermis is the avascular outer layer of the skin and relies on the dermis beneath it for nourishment. The dermis contains blood vessels, while adipose tissue and fascia lie deeper.
The wrist contains eight carpal bones arranged in two rows of four. These bones connect with the metacarpals and forearm bones.
A hinge joint allows movement mainly in one plane, such as bending and straightening the elbow. Ball-and-socket joints are in the shoulder and hip, saddle joints are at the thumb base, and pivot joints are in the neck.
The free edge is the part of the nail plate that projects past the fingertip and is trimmed during a manicure. The lunula is the whitish base, the matrix produces nail cells, and the eponychium is the proximal fold tissue.
Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, which helps keep skin and hair lubricated. Sudoriferous glands produce sweat, lymph nodes are part of the immune system, and ceruminous glands produce earwax.
Anatomy is the study of body structure, while physiology studies how body parts function. Histology focuses on tissues and cytology focuses on cells.
Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, contain hemoglobin and transport oxygen to tissues. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, leukocytes defend against infection, and platelets help with clotting.
Fingernails typically grow about 3 to 3.5 millimeters per month, while toenails grow more slowly. This rate varies with age, health, circulation, and season.
Normal water content gives the nail plate flexibility; excessive dehydration causes brittleness, peeling, and splitting. Hydration and moisturizing help maintain nail flexibility.
Cocci are round bacteria, bacilli are rod-shaped, spirilla are spiral-shaped, and vibrios are comma-shaped. Shape is one way bacteria are classified.
The sidewall, also called the lateral nail fold, is the skin fold that overlaps the side of the nail plate. The eponychium is at the proximal fold, the hyponychium is under the free edge, and the lunula is the visible half-moon.
The acid mantle of the skin is slightly acidic and helps inhibit the growth of many microorganisms. It does not directly control nail growth, nail hardness, or melanin production.
A cream is a semisolid emulsion, meaning oil and water are blended with an emulsifier. A solution has dissolved ingredients, a suspension has undissolved particles, and a tincture is an alcohol-based solution.
Diabetes can impair healing and increase the risk of infection, so an open cut is a contraindication for nail services. The client should be referred to a physician rather than treated.
Photoinitiators absorb UV or LED light and begin the polymerization process that cures the gel. An adhesion promoter improves bonding, monomer is used in acrylic systems, and a catalyst speeds certain chemical reactions.
An autoclave uses steam under pressure at high temperature to destroy all microorganisms, including spores. Dry heat, ultraviolet radiation, and chemical soaks are separate methods and are not what defines an autoclave.
Hepatitis B virus attacks the liver and can be transmitted through infected blood or body fluids. HIV affects the immune system, HPV causes warts, and herpes simplex causes skin lesions.
Nail cells undergo keratinization as they mature, flattening and losing their nuclei to form the hard nail plate. This process makes the nail plate strong and protective.
Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and are under voluntary control. Cardiac and smooth muscles are involuntary and work without conscious effort.
Green-black discoloration under an enhancement is commonly caused by Pseudomonas bacteria trapped by moisture, often called greenies. The enhancement should be removed, the area cleaned and disinfected, and the client referred if infection is suspected.
The hyponychium is the living skin under the free edge that seals the nail plate to the fingertip and helps protect against infection. The matrix produces nail cells, the lunula is the visible half-moon, and sebum helps lubricate skin.
Onychorrhexis refers to longitudinal ridging and splitting of the nail plate, often related to dryness or aging. Transverse depressions are Beau's lines, pitting suggests psoriasis, and a spoon-shaped nail is koilonychia.
Polymerization is a chemical reaction, and warmer temperatures increase the reaction rate. This shortens working time and causes the acrylic to set faster.
Acetone is a volatile solvent that removes oils and water from the nail plate, leaving it dry and brittle with repeated use. It does not permanently dissolve the nail plate or change keratin into melanin.