{"id":189,"date":"2023-12-29T21:51:40","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:51:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=189"},"modified":"2023-12-29T21:53:50","modified_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:53:50","slug":"what-is-a-nail-cuticle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/what-is-a-nail-cuticle\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is A Nail Cuticle? A Detailed Look At The Anatomy And Function"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you’ve ever gotten a manicure, you’re familiar with the cuticles on your fingernails. But do you know what cuticles actually are and what purpose they serve? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the anatomy and function of the nail cuticle.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The cuticle is the thin layer of dead skin cells that sits between the base of the fingernail and the surrounding skin<\/b>. It seals and protects the matrix, or growing part, of the nail.<\/p>\nWhat Is the Nail Cuticle?<\/h2>\n
Definition and location on the nail<\/h3>\n
The nail cuticle, also known as the eponychium, is the thin band of tissue that overlies and protects the nail matrix (the part under the skin that produces new nail cells) as well as the nail plate. The cuticle sits at the base of the nail, sealing off the area between the nail and the proximal nail fold, which is the skin surrounding the sides and base of the nail.<\/p>\n
The nail cuticle is composed of dead skin cells and keratin just like the rest of the nail structure. However, the cells and keratin fibers in the cuticle are arranged randomly rather than in neat layers.<\/p>\n
This gives the cuticle a soft, flexible texture that allows it to act as a gasket around the nail and prevent debris and bacteria from getting under the nail.<\/p>\n
Underneath the visible cuticle is the living matrix that produces new nail plate cells. Tiny blood vessels in this matrix nourish the growing nail and shape the form of the cuticle.<\/p>\n
When healthy, the nail cuticle has a lightly ridged texture and pale pink color from the blood vessels underneath. The edges slope down from the proximal nail fold to rest smoothly against the nail plate.<\/p>\n
The cuticle can become dry, cracked, or inflamed if the nail matrix loses moisture. This causes the seal around the nail to weaken over time. An unhealthy cuticle provides an easy entry point for germs that can lead to nail infections.<\/p>\n
While genetics plays a role, frequent exposure to water without moisturizing can degrade the cuticle over time. Nail biting and aggressive cutting of the cuticle also inflict damage.<\/p>\n
The proximal nail fold, also called the base of the nail, is the skin that overlaps the back end of the nail plate and attaches to the nail bed. It helps protect the matrix, the area under the cuticle which contains nerves, lymph and blood vessels that aid nail growth (American Academy of Dermatology<\/a>).<\/p>\n The lateral nail folds are the skin folds along both sides of the fingernail or toenail. They cover and protect the sides of the nail bed. Together with the proximal nail fold, they prevent debris, bacteria and other foreign substances from entering underneath the nail (Cleveland Clinic<\/a>).<\/p>\n Also known as the cuticle, the eponychium is the thin band of tissue that extends from the posterior nail fold to the front edge of the nail plate. It seals the nail to protect it from infection. Gently pushing back the eponychium once a week allows you to thoroughly clean underneath it and trim off any excess dead tissue (American Academy of Dermatology<\/a>).<\/p>\n The hyponychium is the area of skin located beneath the free edge of fingernails and toenails. It forms a seal between the free edge of the nail and the skin underneath, which acts as a protective barrier.<\/p>\n The tissue in this area contains plasma cells which provide immunologic protection against invasive organisms (National Center for Biotechnology Information<\/a>).<\/p>\n The nail matrix, also called the matrix unguis, is the part of the nail bed under the cuticle from which the nail plate originates. It contains nerves, lymph and blood vessels that stimulate nail growth.<\/p>\n The matrix area under the proximal nail fold at the base produces most of the nail volume, while the area under the lunula adds thickness and hardness to the nail plate (Cleveland Clinic<\/a>).<\/p>\n The nail plate is the hard, translucent part of the nail that extends over the tips of your fingers and toes. As new nail cells develop in the matrix, they push older nail cells forward, compacting them to create the hardened nail plate.<\/p>\n Fingernails grow at an average rate of 3 mm per month, while toenails grow more slowly at about 1 mm per month (American Academy of Dermatology<\/a>).<\/p>\n The lunula is the white, half-moon shaped base of the visible nail plate. It’s created by the area of thick nail matrix under the cuticle that adds extra thickness and hardness to the nail plate. A healthy lunula at the base indicates good nail growth.<\/p>\nLateral Nail Fold<\/h3>\n
Eponychium<\/h3>\n
Hyponychium<\/h3>\n
Nail Matrix<\/h3>\n
Nail Plate<\/h3>\n
Lunula<\/h3>\n