Nail (anatomy) facts for kids
A nail is a hard part of the body at the tip of the fingers and toes, of which most people have ten. Toenails and fingernails are similar, except that toenails grow four times slower. Only certain mammals have nails: mostly, they are found in primates. They are made of the same kind of material (keratin) as the claws of other animals.
Like hair, nails never stop growing. They must be cut from time to time. It does not hurt when you cut your nails. The nails are made up of a protein called keratin. Hair and skin also have keratin. Some people paint their nails to make themselves look nicer. Some nails can grow into the skin. This is called an ingrowing nail. They can hurt, so are often treated through medicine. The cutting and painting of the nails is called a manicure.
Contents
Functions
The functions of nails are not obvious. They include:
- Protecting the fingertip and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries.
- Helping delicate movements of the fingertips by allowing counter-pressure on the pulp of the finger. The nail then acts as a counterforce when the end of the finger touches an object. This improves the sensitivity of the fingertip, even though there are no nerve endings in the nail itself.
- The nail is a tool. For example, when a person pulls out a splinter in a finger. Also, it may be used for some cutting or scraping actions.
- Fingernails are a part of the body often used for display in females.
Related pages
Images for kids
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A. Nail plate; B. lunula; C. root; D. sinus; E. matrix; F. nail bed; G. hyponychium; H. free margin.
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Nails are a distinguishing feature of the primate order.
See also
In Spanish: Uña para niños
