Fingernails and toenails have a certain physiological cycle. In a certain time process, they will be longer and longer. So what is the composition of nails and what is the role of its existence?
The nail is made of keratin.
Nail is a flat nail like structure on the back of the finger (toe) end of humans and apes, which belongs to connective tissue. It is the deformation of claw, also known as flat claw. Its main component is keratin. It is homologous with the claw, the claw plantar retracts, and the claw plate forms a rectangular sheet, which is the product of keratinization of the epidermis at the finger (toe) end and plays a role in protecting the finger (toe) end.
Keratin is the main protein of raw skin epidermis and fur follicle. Keratin is an important member of the intermediate fibrin family. Keratin peptide chain is a multi domain peptide chain, which is divided into highly reserved rod-shaped intermediate region and terminal peptide region. The peptide chain of rod domain has a periodic sequence structure of 8 peptide repeats. All intermediate filament eggs have similar peptide chain structure.
Nail function:
Nails are one of the attachments to the skin. Has its specific functions. First of all, it has the function of 'shield', which can protect the distal phalanx from damage, maintain its stability, enhance the tactile sensitivity of fingers, and assist in grasping, holding, pinching, squeezing, etc. The nail bed is rich in blood supply, which can regulate the peripheral blood supply and body temperature.
Secondly, nails are the focus of hand beauty. Beautiful nails add women's charm. For a patient with nail defect or deformity, even if he or she has a well functioning finger, he or she may hide the finger because of inferiority.