Structure of the natural nail and anatomy of the nail

 Structure of the natural nail and anatomy of the nail

Knowing the structure of the natural nail and the anatomy of the nail is very important for us.
Only in this way can we recognize how we are going to work with each of our clients.

I recommend that when taking a beginner acrylic nail course, you ask if there is a class that provides this information.

In this article we will see what the physiology of the nail and its functions are composed of.

When we study the anatomy of the nail, we are going to find different issues in this regard.
And we will not only base ourselves on knowing the parts of the nails, we must also have a study on nail diseases, among others.

- Structure of the natural nail and anatomy of the nail and nail art accessories

We will focus on the aesthetic area.
However, it is a key point to know the fundamental characteristics that make up the nail, for technical purposes in our work area.

Later we will deal with nail diseases, as it well deserves a separate article.

Before any abnormality that is seen in the natural nails, our clients should be recommended to attend a medical consultation.


Structure of the Nail and its Parts
As you can see each part of the nail is very well defined in the image.
Now we are going to see the functions that each one of them fulfill.

Lateral nail fold: The nail is made up of a curved fold known as a lateral fold.
Its function is to protect the nails from any external damage, it can be noticed sliding after the cuticle area.
Also known as lateral nail grooves.

Lunula: Better known as a crescent, it is part of the nail matrix, being the most visible.
It is located in the thin area of ​​the nail making it more sensitive to the touch.
For this reason, greater care must be taken when filing, pushing the cuticle or any accident.

Perionychium or periungual edge: It is the continuation of the lateral fold of the nail, reaching the free edge and sealing the sides of the nail. Protecting it from any damage, infection or allergies.

Free edge of the nail: It is the independent part of the nail when a growth is reached, separating from the hyponychium.

Hyponychium: Located just below the edge of the nail, it is made up of epithelial tissue, which protects the nail from bacteria that attack the nail bed.
It is attached directly to the lateral and perionich folds.
Great care must be taken not to injure this area, to avoid future infections or allergies.

Nail bed / nail bed: It is located under the nail plate, formed by an adherent tissue called epithelium, acting as a support platform for the nail plate.

Nail plate / nail plate: Attached to the nail bed.
Its main function is to protect us against external damage, formed by epidermal tissue, made up of dermis and epidermis.
Spanning from the womb to the tips of the fingers, at the time of growth, what we know as the free edge is formed.

Cuticle: The cuticle is responsible for protecting the growth of the nail bed against all types of infections, forming a protective barrier, being the extension of skin that covers the fingers.
Being a part of the nail that protects against infection and external damage, cutting it is not recommended.

Eponychium: Very attached to the nail plate and cuticle, moving with the plate as it grows, forming a small layer of dead tissue around the cuticle.
It is the main protector of the nail root and nail matrix.

Proximal crease: Located just above the cuticle, following the lateral creases.
It works by sealing and protecting the structure of the nail bed, matrix, and each side of the nail plate.

Nail root and nail matrix: All birth of the nail begins from the matrix and the root.
It is hidden under the eponychium which makes it not visible.
Attached to the tip of the phalanx bone by fibrous tissue.

Any blow or wound close to this area can result in a malformation of the nail.
The matrix determines the width and thickness of the nail.

Phalanx: It is a bone located at the end of the fingers and toes, having a direct connection with the root of the nail and matrix.
It is the solid part of the structure of the nail, forming part of our bone system.
We must take care of possible fractures and strong blows that damage our fingers and as a consequence every part of our nail.

It is necessary to remember that each part of our nails fulfills a very important specific function.
From there we can distinguish the type of care that should be taken, depending on each case.

Knowing the structure of the natural nail is a base that will help you identify some parts of the acrylic nail.

Here on the blog, you can find an article that deals with "the structure of acrylic nails in detail."

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