Are Nails An Organ? Understanding The Nomenclature Of Nails

Assorted glands, subcutaneous glands (exocrine glands), skin, hair, and nails make up the organ system called the integumentary system.

Nails are usually regarded as an impermeable barrier, which is not exactly true, and they are a lot more permeable compared to our skin. Around 7-12% of the nail's composition consists of water.

We all know what nails are. They are the hard, keratinous plates that grow on the ends of our fingers and toes. But did you know that nails are considered an organ?

It's true! In this article, we will discuss the nomenclature of nails and explain why they are considered an organ. Most primates have a claw-like plate at the end of their toes and fingers.

Nail resembles the claws found in many animals. We will also talk about some of the functions of nails and how they can be affected by diseases. Stay tuned for more information on this interesting topic!

The primary function of the integumentary system (nails, skin, hair, and exocrine glands) is the protection of underlying tissues by the skin. The skin prevents loss of fluids as well as keeps harmful substances away.

The subcutaneous glands connect underlying tissues like muscles. The skin has seven ectodermal tissue layers, guarding not only underlying muscles but also internal organs, ligaments, and bones. The integumentary system has four kinds of exocrine glands, mammary glands, ceruminous glands, sebaceous glands, and sudoriferous glands.

Are hair and nails organs?

Yes, hair and nails are both considered organs.

Human hair is made of dead skin cells and keratin. Hair belongs within the integumentary system. Hair strands start from the foundation of living epithelial cells' downward extension into the dermis, the irregular connective tissue, known as the hair follicle.

The depression of epidermal cells into the dermis is the hair follicle. The living cell elements of the protective outer layer, epidermis and basal lamina layer separate them from the dermis. Living cells build a hair shaft in the hair bulb.

The hair shaft is an exposed part of the hair follicle on the skin's surface. The remaining part of the hair follicle is the hair root. The dermis also has sweat glands, collagen fibers, fat tissue, elastic fibers, and blood vessels.

The skin's epithelial tissue layer is the epidermis. The epithelial invaginations from the epidermis are formed by sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. Like our skin, the hair also gets its color from the melanin pigment that the melanocytes produce in the hair matrix.

There are three various kinds of hair in humans. The fully-developed hair known as terminal hair is usually darker, thicker, coarser, and longer than the vellus hair and is found in male beard and auxiliary.

The 'peach fuzz' body hair called vellus hair is downy and short grows in most regions of the body. The unpigmented and fine hair called lanugo is the hair that covers the fetus' body and most of them get replaced by the vellus hair around the time of the baby's birth.

The oil glands called sebaceous glands are found all across the human body. Sebaceous glands are usually related to hair follicles. sebaceous glands produce sebum onto the human skin surface and hair for lubrication of layer of dead skin cells.

sebaceous glands are comparatively inactive during childhood. There are two kinds of sweat glands: apocrine sweat glands and eccrine sweat glands. These glands maintain body temperature.

Are nails skin or bone?

Nails are made of a tough protein called keratin which is a protective barrier of the outer layer of skin. Nails are not skin or bone, they are their unique entity!

An organ is any structure in the human body that has a specific function. And both hair and nails have specific functions.

For example, hair protects the scalp from ultraviolet radiation and helps to regulate body temperature. Nails, on the other hand, help us to grasp objects and provide protection for the tips of our fingers and toes.

1 sq in (6.4 sq cm) of human skin has over a thousand nerve endings, 60,000 melanocytes, 20 blood vessels, and 650 sweat glands.

Below the skin plates of the epidermis and dermis lies the subcutaneous adipose layer or hypodermis. Hypodermis has fatty adipose tissue that stores energy in triglycerides form. The outermost layer, the epidermis has no blood vessels.

Dead cells are shed from the skin in a process called desquamation. The soles of feet and palms of hands have thick skin.

This thick skin is called the stratum corneum, the thickest layer of skin. Subcutaneous tissue is the bottom layer of skin that is made of cells with fat, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This layer aids hold the body's temperature or body heat and protect our body from injuries.

The nomenclature of nails refers to the system used to name different parts of nails. There are three main components of a nail: the matrix, the nail bed, and the free edge.

The matrix is located at the base of the nail and is responsible for producing new cells that make up the nail plate. The bed is located under the matrix and provides nutrients to keep the nail healthy.

The free edge is the part of the nail that extends past the fingertip or toe. It is the most visible part of the nail and is often trimmed to keep it looking neat.

What material are nails made of?

Nails are made of the protein keratin. This tough alpha-keratin is a polymer and is also found in horns, claws, and hooves of vertebrates.

Nails are made of keratin, a type of protein. Keratin is also found in hair and skin. The production of keratinocytes in the matrix under the nail plate is what causes nails to grow. Nail growth is also influenced by hormones and nutrition.

Nail structure is divided into six parts, hyponychium, perionychium, cuticle or eponychium, nail plate, nail bed, and nail root. The nail root is called the germinal matrix. This part of the nail is behind it and beneath the skin, extending into the finger.

The most volume of nail bed and nail is produced by the root. There are no melanin-producing cells or melanocytes in the root. The germinal matrix edge can be seen as a lunula, white and crescent-shaped structure.

The nail matrix has a part known as a sterile matrix that holds the nail bed. The nail bed extends from the germinal matrix's edge to the hyponychium.

The bed contains melanocytes, nerves, and blood vessels. When the root produces the nail, it streams along the bed, adding material to the nail's undersurface that makes it thicker. The actual fingernail is the nail plate composed of translucent keratin.

The nail's pink appearance is from the blood vessels beneath the nail. The underlying layer of the nail plate consists of grooves along the nail's length to aid with the anchoring of the plate to the nail bed.

Eponychium is the cuticle present in the fingernail. The cuticle is between the nail plate and the skin of the finger and fuses them together, giving a waterproof barrier.

The skin overlapping the sides of the nail plate is known as perionychium. It is also called paronychial edge. This layer of perionychium is a ground for paronychia (skin infection), ingrown nails, and hangnails.

The region between the fingertip and nail plate is known as Hyponychium. It is the intersection of the skin on the fingertip and tip of the nail and it also provides a waterproof barricade.

What causes nails to grow?

Nails grow as a result of the growth and division of cells in the matrix, which is located under the nail plate.

The nail's growing part is under the skin at the proximal end of the nail beneath the epidermis, the only living thing in the nail. The nail's growth rate in mammals is associated with the length of outermost finger bones or terminal phalanges.

Therefore, nails on the index fingers in humans grows faster than our little finger. Also, fingernails grow around four times faster compared to toenails.

If the matrix is not damaged, then nails can grow back after they are damaged. The matrix is located under the nail plate and contains active living cells that produce new keratinocytes, which are the cells that make up nails.

However, if the matrix is damaged, then nail growth is impossible. The nail bed must be smooth for normal nail growth. Otherwise, the nail may develop grooves or split, making it cosmetically unappealing.

The cells in our hair bulb are nourished by blood vessels and distribute hormones to modify hair structure and hair growth at different periods in life. The hair shafts that grow out of the root have no nervous system or blood supply.

Not all animals have nails. Nails are found in mammals and some reptiles. They are absent in birds and amphibians.

Nails are made of keratin, a type of protein that is also found in hair and skin. The production of keratinocytes in the matrix under the nail plate is what causes nails to grow. Nail growth is also influenced by hormones and nutrition.

Functions Of Nails

Nails have many functions. They protect the tips of our fingers and toes from trauma and injury. They also help us to grip objects and perform other manual tasks.

A healthy fingernail protects the surrounding soft tissues, the fingertip, and distal phalanx from injuries. The nail is also a tool enabling us to perform certain scraping or putting actions and 'extended precision grip', like pulling a splinter out of your finger.

Although nails are dead with no feelings, dermis, a layer of skin under the nails has sensory nerve endings. These nerve cells signal the brain whenever your nail is under pressure.

They also help us grip objects and perform tasks such as typing or writing. Nails can also be used as tools for scratching an itch or removing debris from under the fingernails. Finally, nails add to our sense of touch and help us to feel textures.

Nails are produced by the finger's living skin cells. Nails are a part of the epidermis occurring at the tips of toes and fingers. Nails enhance fingertip sensation and act as a protective plate.

There are many nerve endings in our fingertip, which allows us to receive information about the things we touch. Our nails function as a counterforce to the fingertip, providing a lot more sensory input when objects come in contact. However, the nail itself does not contain any nerve ending.

Nail Health Issues

Nails can be affected by a variety of diseases and disorders, including fungal infections, psoriasis, and trauma.

In some cases, nails may become discolored or brittle, and they may even fall off completely. If you are experiencing any problems with your nails, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Fungal infections are common. They can occur on any part of the body, including the nails.

Fungal infections are caused by a type of fungus known as a dermatophyte. Like skin, the nail can dry out too and also peel and break. Molds and yeasts are typically organisms that can infect our nails.

These fungi can invade the skin, hair, and nails. Some common symptoms of a fungal infection include itching, redness, scaling, and pain. If you think you might have a fungal infection, it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist for treatment.

Treatment for these conditions depends on the severity of the disease. In mild cases, over-the-counter creams or ointments may be enough to treat the symptoms. More severe cases may require prescription medication or light therapy.

Brittle nails can be a sign of a lack of vitamin A or iron in your diet. Yellow nails can be a sign of liver disease, diabetes, or respiratory problems.

White spots are usually harmless and caused by minor trauma to the nail. However, they can also be a sign of a fungal infection. Alopecia is hair thinning due to age causing baldness.

Hair follicles' genetic sensitivity to the androgen hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This reduces the blood flow towards hair follicles, so hair follicles start to disintegrate, producing thinner hair.

If a human does not have nails, they will not be able to protect the tips of fingers and toes from damage. They will also find it difficult to grip objects and perform tasks such as typing or using a knife.

In addition, nails can be used to assess a person's health status. For example, changes in nail color or texture can indicate problems with blood circulation or infection.

Caring For Your Nails

Your nails are not just for looks, they also serve an important function. It is vital to take care of your nails with regular washing, trimming, and moisturizing.

Keep your nails clean and trimmed. Wash your hands regularly and dry them thoroughly to prevent infection. Use a mild soap and warm water to wash your hands and nails. Trim your nails regularly and file them smooth to prevent ingrown nails. Trim your nails when necessary with sharp, sterilized scissors or clippers.

Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaning products that can damage your nails. Be gentle with your nails. Avoid excessive manicures, pedicures, or artificial enhancements such as acrylics or gel nails. These can damage your nails. Moisturize your nails and cuticles with a quality hand cream or oil to prevent drying and cracking.

Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet is important for overall health, including nail health. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your nails and skin healthy and hydrated. Brittle fingernails will benefit from supplements and biotin-rich foods.

If you take care of your nails, they will be strong and resistant to infection or disease. However, sometimes nails can become damaged or diseased despite our best efforts.

If you notice any changes in your nails, such as discoloration, thickening, crumbling, or pain, be sure to see a doctor right away. Nail problems can often be indicative of other underlying health issues. So don't neglect your nails as they are an important part of your body!