Pivot Point Chapter 14: Nails Study Quiz

Nail Anatomy and Functions

• Nails are considered appendages of the skin, along with hair and glands.
• The free edge primarily protects the tip of fingers and toes.
• The fold on either side of the nail groove is known as the nail wall.
• The lunula appears white at the base of the nail, where the nail matrix meets the nail bed.
• The eponychium is the nail structure that overlaps the lunula.
• The cuticle refers to the loose, pliable skin around the nail.
• The matrix is the active tissue that generates hardening nail cells as they move outward.
• The nail root is attached beneath the skin inside the mantle.
• The mantle is the deep pocket area housing the root and matrix of the nail.

Nail Growth and Health

• The nail bed nourishes the nail and is attached to the bone by ligaments.
• Nail grooves on either side guide nail growth.
• The skin surrounding the nail is known as the perionychium.
• The hyponychium is the skin under the free edge of the nail.
• Normal nail growth takes approximately 4-6 months, averaging 1/8 inch per month.
• Factors like aging and winter can decrease nail growth rates, unlike summer which does not.
• Permanent distortion can occur if trauma injures both the nail bed and matrix.

Nail Disorders

• A condition indicating any nail disease is called onychosis.
• Signs of nail disease require a referral to a physician.
• Healthy nails are smooth, curved, translucent, and without hollows or wavy ridges.
• Onychomycosis is the medical term for ringworm of the nail, a fungal infection.
• Tinea pedis refers to itchy, peeling skin on the feet and must be treated by a physician.
• Not all nail diseases are fungus-related; for example, onychotrophic is not fungal.
• Paronychia may result from an infected hangnail or a bacterial infection.
• Onychia refers specifically to inflammation of the nail matrix.

Nail Care Techniques

• Vertical lines or furrows can develop due to illness or injury.
• A thickened nail curvature is termed onychogryposis, while ingrown nails are known as onychocryptosis.
• Trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown nails.
• Hangnails indicate dried cuticles that have split.
• Bruised nails result from trapped blood under the nail bed.
• Leuconychia is indicated by small white spots that may arise from injury.

Pedicure and Manicure Practices

• When performing a manicure, the fingernails should be polished by applying polish over the base coat.
• Nail polish is to be removed starting from the base to the tip of the nail.
• Implements should be cleaned with soap and water before sanitizing post-manicure.
• A hand massage should occur before nail polish application for best practice.
• Use an emery board to shorten and shape natural nails.
• Follow proper disinfection procedures, especially after blood spill incidents.

Product Use and Salon Safety

• Nail dryers aid fast drying without leaving a sticky or dull effect.
• Use hydrogen peroxide to remove nail stains when required.
• Acetone polish remover should be avoided for use on plastic nail tips.
• A dehydrating product should be applied before setting nail forms to prevent bacteria growth.
• Maintain air quality by prohibiting smoking in the salon due to flammable vapors from nail products.

Nail Services Management

• Offer prompt nail services for clients exhibiting signs of onychophagy or other conditions.
• Assess nail health carefully and address any fungus or abnormal conditions by removing artificial nails if necessary.
• Establish a routine nail care regimen, focusing on nail health and proper techniques, to prevent splits or other conditions.
• Regularly replace soaking solutions in the finger bowl after each client for hygiene.

Test your knowledge on the anatomy and function of nails with this quiz based on Pivot Point Chapter 14. Explore key concepts including the structures associated with the skin, the purpose of the free edge, and more. Ideal for beauty students and professionals alike!