Why Do We Have Toenails? Know All Fun Facts About Human Nails

Several scientists argue that fingernails and toenails have evolutionary similarities.

Your fingernails and toenails have a rigid surface that protects the tips of your fingers and toes. Nails have not been removed by evolution because they are not a barrier to survival.

It is critical to keep your toenails in good shape. Toenails crack as a consequence of sensitive physical trauma, such as an injury made by objects. A fungal infection is a sign of a bad toenail, commonly called onychomycosis. This affects not only humans, but also horses and other animals too. Koilonychia can manifest itself in the form of flat nails. It is critical to trim your toenails straight to maintain nail health, allowing enough length for the corners to rest lightly on the flesh at the sides.

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What are toenails made from?

The primary role of toenails is believed to be protection. The role of fingernails is slightly different because fingernails improve our grip and our motor capabilities, as well as protecting our fingertips. The tops of toes are prone to damage and stubbing, as we have all discovered the hard way.

Nails are not formed of bone, contrary to popular belief. Keratin is the main component of fingernails and toenails. This is the same chemical that your body utilizes to make hair and your skin's top layer. The robust protective protein alpha-keratin, which is a polymer, is made up of fingernails and toenails. Keratin is important for nail health that makes up the cells that make up the tissue in your nails. It strengthens and preserves nails, making them more resistant to harm or damage.

Beneath your skin, your nails begin to develop. New cells push old ones through your skin as they expand. Dead cells make up the exposed section. This is why trimming your nails is not a bad idea. Older tissues become stiff and compressed as new tissue grows and are finally pushed out towards your fingertips. Nails that are healthy have no ridges, grooves, spots, or discoloration and are soft.

Do humans and animals toenails have the same use?

Humans do not have the same needs as dogs or cats, meaning nails and claws are not the same. Each animal has evolved to have the optimal finger-covering (nails or claws) for its needs. The ape family includes humans. Primate ancestors are the most intelligent creatures on the planet. Mammals are animals that do not lay eggs.

Nails have evolved in primates. This is why apes and monkeys have nails on all of their fingers and toes, as do our closest primate cousins. Our primate cousins include gibbons, bonobos, chimps, gorillas, and orangutans. Humans have nails rather than claws because we have evolved intricate social arrangements that allow us to rely on others for grooming. Claw nails in animals are used to dig holes in the grass, dig into the ground, or scratch food. As a result, our toenails are a relic from a time in our evolutionary past when we used our feet a lot to lift items up and down. They have a useful function, yet we can live without nails. The key role of toenails is believed to be protection. This is in comparison to the role of fingernails which enhance our grip and support fine motor capabilities. Fingernails also protect our fingertips. Toes are less prone to damage and infection when they have a protecting nail on top of them.

The 'grooming claw' was a distinguishing feature of primate ancestors, which evolved to mammals such as monkeys, apes, and humans. However, the ancestors of monkeys, apes, and humans lost their grooming claws, presumably because they had each other, according to the experts. Claws can be employed to engage with rough surfaces and re-orient the animal's force direction.

Why do we have toenails and fingernails?

Nails have developed to help us pick things up (like food), pick things off (like bugs), and grip things securely in our hands.

Claws are flattened forms of fingernails in humans. Claws supported the wide fingers of all primates, including ancient human predecessors. Claws developed into our own human nails. Claws are used by animals to grip tree bark to help them climb trees such as squirrels.

According to a recent study, archaic monkeys that lived around 50 million years ago possessed claws as well. Toenails may also have helped with balance.

Do we all have ingrown toenails?

Both men and women can get ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails are more prevalent in those with sweaty feet, such as teens, according to the National Health Service (NHS). Since toenails grow with age, older people may be at a higher risk. Tight shoes can be another cause of ingrown tails.

Ingrown toenails take place when the corner or side of toenails grows into the delicate skin of the foot. Pain, redness, swelling, and, in certain cases, infection in the nail bed (soft tissue structure) are symptoms of an ingrown nail. The nail bed is pressed down until it turns white. This means blood has been driven out of the tissue beneath the nail. It is known as blanching. Pressure is withdrawn after the tissue has blanched. Ingrown toenails are frequently found on the big toe. Ingrown toenails are usually treatable on your own.

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