DBS98_Anatomy and Physiology

Ms. Marilyn Pace Mintoff

Worksheet
The Integumentary System: Nails
1. Label parts of the Nail Below

A F

B G

C H

D I

E J

2. Anatomical structures all perform particular function. Fill in the table below to
show your understanding of different parts of the nail.

Nail Part Corresponding Function

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DBS98_Anatomy and Physiology
Ms. Marilyn Pace Mintoff

Overlapping skin ate the base of the nail developing from the
stratum corneum. It extends to form the perionychium
An extension of the cuticle under which the nail plate comes out
from the matrix. Acts as a protection and waterproof barrier to the
Matrix

Extension of the nail plate. Extends beyond the hyponychium

Part of the epidermis sealing the free edge to the finger

Half moon structure beneath the nail plate. Made from immature
cells which appear lighter in colour. Cells extend from the matrix
Made from living cells in the startum germinativum which replicate
to ultimately form the nail plate. Has extensive blood supply
required to produce new cells.
The part underneath the nail plate. Rich in nerves and blood
vessels. Has grooves which enable the nail plate to adhere to it.

Found between the nail wall and the nail plate. Acts as guideline for
the nail plate to grow into a straight line

Layer of epidermis at the base of the nail and above the matrix. Has
Nail Folds.

Covers the nail bed and hyponychium. Made from clear layers of
keratinized epidermal cells. Contains no blood vessels or nerves

Folds of the skin overlapping the sides of the nails protecting the
edge of the nail plate

Collective name given to the cuticles at the sides of the nail

3. There are various factors which affect nail growth

a. Do nails on all fingers grow at the same rate?

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b. How do seasons affect nail growth?

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DBS98_Anatomy and Physiology
Ms. Marilyn Pace Mintoff

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c. Which nails grow fast those on the fingers or on the toes?

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d. What happens if the matrix is damaged?

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e. How does age affect the blood supply to the nail?
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4. The following are nail conditions which that should NOT receive treatment
Name of Condition Type of Infection Overview of Conditions
(Fungal/ Bacterial etc)

Severy Onycholysis

Verrucae

Warts

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DBS98_Anatomy and Physiology
Ms. Marilyn Pace Mintoff

Name of Condition Type of Infection Overview of Conditions

(Fungal/ Bacterial etc)

Psoriasis

Eczema

Impetigo

Onychia

Tinea pedis
(Athlete's Foot)

Onychomycosis

Severe koilonychia
(Spoon Nails)

Paronychia

5. The following are conditions or Disorders that can be improved by treatments

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DBS98_Anatomy and Physiology
Ms. Marilyn Pace Mintoff

Beauty Treatment
Name of
Overview of Conditions Suggestion to Improve the
Condition
condition

Hangnails

Onychophagy

leuconychia

Beau's Lines

Dry Hands and

feet (anhidrosis)

Dry brittle nails

Pterygium

Onychorrhexis

Ridged nails

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