Fingernails grow from a specialized area called the nail matrix, located under the skin at the base of your fingernail. This matrix contains living cells that constantly divide and produce new keratin, a hard protein that forms the nail plate.
The Growth Process:
- Cell Division: Cells in the nail matrix continuously divide, pushing older cells forward.
- Keratin Production: As these cells move forward, they produce keratin, which hardens and forms the nail plate.
- Nail Plate Formation: The hardened keratin forms the visible part of your fingernail, the nail plate. This plate sits on the nail bed, the skin underneath the nail.
- Growth Rate: On average, fingernails grow approximately 3.47 millimeters per month. This growth rate can vary depending on factors like age, nutrition, and overall health.
Factors Affecting Nail Growth:
- Age: Nail growth tends to slow down with age.
- Nutrition: A healthy diet rich in proteins and vitamins is crucial for healthy nail growth. Deficiencies can lead to slower or weaker nail growth.
- Health: Underlying health conditions can impact nail growth.
- Trauma: Injury to the nail matrix can affect growth patterns.
The nail plate itself is not living; it's composed of dead keratinized cells. The growth occurs at the root, pushing the dead cells outward. Think of it like hair growth, but instead of growing from a follicle, it grows from the matrix.
