Anatomy of a nail

Just like your hair, your nails are made up of keratin, a strong, fibrous protein substance. The strengh of your nails comes from the presence of sulphur in amino acids bringing the keratin together.

The water and fat and water molecules which lie between the layers of keratin render your nails pliable and shiny.

Nail anatomy

The pink section of your nails is your nail bed; it contains the capillaries which noursih the matrix, the area beneath the cuticle.

New cells are generated in the matrix area, enabling the growth of your nails.

The entire nail (including the pink bed and white tip) is known as the nail plate, and the crescent shape at the base is refered to as the lunula. The cuticle is that thin strip of skin which is at your nail base, covering the matrix.

The cuticle acts as a flexible strip, sealing off the finger from the nail, protecting the matrix from damage.