Podcast
Questions and Answers
List three reasons why cosmetologists should study and have a thorough understanding of nail structure and growth.
List three reasons why cosmetologists should study and have a thorough understanding of nail structure and growth.
- To expertly groom, strengthen, and beautify nails. 2) To know the difference between the nail cuticle and the eponychium before performing nail services. 3) To prepare for more advanced nail services.
The _________________ is hard protective plate composed mainly of keratin, the fiber-shaped protein found in skin and hair, which is located at the end of the finger or toe.
The _________________ is hard protective plate composed mainly of keratin, the fiber-shaped protein found in skin and hair, which is located at the end of the finger or toe.
Natural Nail
Natural nails are appendages of the skin and part of the ______________________ system, which is made up of the skin and its various organs.
Natural nails are appendages of the skin and part of the ______________________ system, which is made up of the skin and its various organs.
integumentary
Nail plates protect the tips of the fingers and toes, and their appearance can reflect the _________________________ of the body.
Nail plates protect the tips of the fingers and toes, and their appearance can reflect the _________________________ of the body.
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Another name for the natural nail is?
Another name for the natural nail is?
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The natural nail is composed mainly of a protein called?
The natural nail is composed mainly of a protein called?
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The keratin found in the natural nail is not as hard as the keratin found in the hair or skin.
The keratin found in the natural nail is not as hard as the keratin found in the hair or skin.
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Describe the appearance of a healthy nail.
Describe the appearance of a healthy nail.
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A healthy nail may look dry and hard, but it actually has a water content of between _____________ and varies according to the relative humidity of the surrounding environment.
A healthy nail may look dry and hard, but it actually has a water content of between _____________ and varies according to the relative humidity of the surrounding environment.
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The water content directly affects the nail's _________________; the lower the water content the more __________________ the nail becomes.
The water content directly affects the nail's _________________; the lower the water content the more __________________ the nail becomes.
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What can be done to reduce water loss and improve flexibility?
What can be done to reduce water loss and improve flexibility?
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How many main parts is the natural nail unit divided into?
How many main parts is the natural nail unit divided into?
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Together, all of the main parts of the nail are referred to as the ________________________.
Together, all of the main parts of the nail are referred to as the ________________________.
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The nail plate is relatively _____ and will allow water to pass through it much more easily than through normal skin of an equal thickness.
The nail plate is relatively _____ and will allow water to pass through it much more easily than through normal skin of an equal thickness.
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The _____ is the most visible and functional part of the nail unit. It is constructed of about ____________ layers of nail cells.
The _____ is the most visible and functional part of the nail unit. It is constructed of about ____________ layers of nail cells.
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The part of the nail plate that extends over the tip of the finger or toe is the?
The part of the nail plate that extends over the tip of the finger or toe is the?
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Which of the following best describes the nail plate?
Which of the following best describes the nail plate?
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The ______________ is the portion of living skin that supports the nail plate as it grows toward the free edge.
The ______________ is the portion of living skin that supports the nail plate as it grows toward the free edge.
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The nail bed contains many nerves and is attached to the nail plate with a thin layer of tissue called the?
The nail bed contains many nerves and is attached to the nail plate with a thin layer of tissue called the?
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The _____ is the area where the nail plate cells are formed.
The _____ is the area where the nail plate cells are formed.
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The visible part of the matrix that extends underneath the living skin is called the?
The visible part of the matrix that extends underneath the living skin is called the?
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Every nail has a lunula.
Every nail has a lunula.
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The whitish color of the lunula is caused by the ________________ off the surface of the visible part of the underlying matrix.
The whitish color of the lunula is caused by the ________________ off the surface of the visible part of the underlying matrix.
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Why is it sometimes difficult to see a lunula?
Why is it sometimes difficult to see a lunula?
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Growth and appearance of the nails can be affected in any of the following conditions.
Growth and appearance of the nails can be affected in any of the following conditions.
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The _____ is the dead, colorless tissue attached to the nail plate.
The _____ is the dead, colorless tissue attached to the nail plate.
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What is the purpose of the cuticle?
What is the purpose of the cuticle?
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Which of the following best describes the cuticle?
Which of the following best describes the cuticle?
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Which of the following is most likely to need a softener?
Which of the following is most likely to need a softener?
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The living skin at the base of the nail plate covering the matrix area is the?
The living skin at the base of the nail plate covering the matrix area is the?
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Describe the difference between the eponychium and the cuticle.
Describe the difference between the eponychium and the cuticle.
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The cuticle will bleed if it is cut.
The cuticle will bleed if it is cut.
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Which of the following can be removed with gentle scraping?
Which of the following can be removed with gentle scraping?
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The ________________________ is the slightly thickened layer of skin under the nail that lies between the fingertip and the free edge of the nail plate.
The ________________________ is the slightly thickened layer of skin under the nail that lies between the fingertip and the free edge of the nail plate.
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What is the function of the hyponychium?
What is the function of the hyponychium?
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A tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds an organ in place is called a?
A tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds an organ in place is called a?
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Specialized ligaments attach the nail bed and _____________ to the underlying bone and are located at the base of the matrix and around the edges of the nail bed.
Specialized ligaments attach the nail bed and _____________ to the underlying bone and are located at the base of the matrix and around the edges of the nail bed.
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The _____ are folds of normal skin that surround the nail plate and which form nail grooves?
The _____ are folds of normal skin that surround the nail plate and which form nail grooves?
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What are the nail grooves?
What are the nail grooves?
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The fold of skin that overlaps the side of the nail is called the?
The fold of skin that overlaps the side of the nail is called the?
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The growth and health of the nail plates is affected by?
The growth and health of the nail plates is affected by?
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Describe the service a cosmetologist may perform to help make a client's nail plate thicker.
Describe the service a cosmetologist may perform to help make a client's nail plate thicker.
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Explain why toenails are thicker than fingernails.
Explain why toenails are thicker than fingernails.
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The average rate of nail plate growth in the normal adult is about?
The average rate of nail plate growth in the normal adult is about?
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Nails grow faster in the winter than they do in summer.
Nails grow faster in the winter than they do in summer.
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Compared with the nails of an average adult, children's nails grow more rapidly, while elderly adults' nails grow at a slow rate.
Compared with the nails of an average adult, children's nails grow more rapidly, while elderly adults' nails grow at a slow rate.
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The nail of the middle finger grows fastest and the thumbnail grows the slowest.
The nail of the middle finger grows fastest and the thumbnail grows the slowest.
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What causes the growth rates of nails to increase dramatically during pregnancy?
What causes the growth rates of nails to increase dramatically during pregnancy?
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A pregnant woman who is taking prenatal vitamins will experience even more rapid nail growth than a pregnant woman who is not taking prenatal vitamins.
A pregnant woman who is taking prenatal vitamins will experience even more rapid nail growth than a pregnant woman who is not taking prenatal vitamins.
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What will cause an abnormal shape or form of the nail?
What will cause an abnormal shape or form of the nail?
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How long does replacement of the natural fingernail take?
How long does replacement of the natural fingernail take?
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Toenails take ___________ months to be fully replaced.
Toenails take ___________ months to be fully replaced.
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Like hair, the nail will automatically shed periodically.
Like hair, the nail will automatically shed periodically.
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A licensed cosmetologist is allowed to?
A licensed cosmetologist is allowed to?
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Study Notes
Nail Structure and Growth
- Understanding nail structure is essential for cosmetologists to effectively groom, strengthen, and beautify nails.
- Knowledge of the nail cuticle versus the eponychium is crucial before performing nail services.
- A thorough understanding prepares cosmetologists for advanced nail services.
Natural Nail Basics
- The natural nail is a hard protective plate primarily composed of keratin, located at the end of fingers and toes.
- Natural nails are part of the integumentary system, which includes skin and various organs.
- Nail plates protect fingertips and can reflect overall health.
Nail Composition and Characteristics
- Natural nails consist mainly of keratin, a protein present in skin and hair, but are not as hard as keratin in hair or skin.
- Healthy nails should be firm yet flexible, shiny, smooth, and without blemishes.
- Nails contain 15-25% water, and the moisture content impacts flexibility; lower moisture results in rigidity.
Care and Maintenance
- Using an oil-based nail conditioner can help reduce water loss and enhance flexibility.
- The natural nail unit comprises nine main parts, with the nail plate being the most visible section constructed of approximately 100 layers of cells.
- The nail plate is porous, allowing water to pass more easily than through normal skin.
Nail Growth Details
- The nail bed, consisting of living skin, supports the nail plate as it grows toward the free edge.
- The matrix is the area where nail plate cells form, while the lunula is the visible part of the matrix located beneath the skin.
- Growth and appearance are affected by health, nail disorders, and injuries to the matrix.
Protective Features
- The cuticle is dead, colorless tissue attached to the nail plate, acting as a seal to prevent infections.
- The eponychium is living tissue covering the matrix area at the nail's base, differing from the cuticle which detaches from the eponychium.
- The hyponychium protects the nail bed from microbial invasion.
Growth Factors
- Ligaments connect the nail bed and matrix to underlying bone, helping in nail stability.
- Nail folds form grooves on each side of the nail, while the sidewall overlaps the nail edges.
- Nutrition, exercise, and general health significantly affect nail growth and health.
Nail Growth Rates
- Normal fingernails grow at a rate of approximately 1/10 to 1/8 inch per month, with variations based on factors such as age and health.
- Nails grow faster during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, but prenatal vitamins do not further accelerate growth.
- Toenails take longer to fully replace than fingernails, approximately 9 to 12 months.
Other Key Points
- Abnormal shapes in nails can arise from diseases, injuries, or infections.
- Replacement of natural fingernails takes about 4 to 6 months; they do not automatically shed like hair.
- Licensed cosmetologists can only work on healthy nails to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the understanding of nail structure and growth as outlined in Chapter 9. It highlights the importance for cosmetologists to have a thorough knowledge of nails, covering topics such as grooming and preparation for advanced services. Test your knowledge on key concepts related to nails!
