küüneplaadist

Küüneplaat, also known as the nail plate, is the hard, protective covering of the fingertip and toe. It is primarily composed of keratin, a tough, fibrous protein also found in hair and skin. The visible part of the nail plate is the nail body, which rests on the nail bed. The nail bed is richly supplied with blood vessels, giving the nail its characteristic pinkish hue. At the base of the nail, under the cuticle, lies the nail matrix, the actively growing region responsible for producing new nail cells. As these cells are produced, they move forward, flatten, and harden, forming the nail plate. The lunula, a pale, crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail, is a visible part of the nail matrix. The cuticle, a fold of skin at the base of the nail, protects the matrix from bacteria and injury. Nails grow continuously throughout life, though the rate of growth can vary depending on factors such as age, nutrition, and health. Their primary functions include protecting the sensitive fingertips and toes, aiding in gripping small objects, and enhancing the sense of touch. Damage to the nail plate, such as trauma or infection, can affect its appearance and integrity.