Here is the next installment in the nail anatomy series.

The nail is an important structure which is made of keratin and has 2 purposes. The fingernail acts as a protective plate and also enhances the sensation of the finger tip.

The protective function is known commonly, yet the sensation function is equally important. There are many nerve endings in the finger tips which allow it to receive volumes of information about objects that they touch. the nail acts as a counter force to provide the fingertips even more sensory input when touching any object.