ABSTRACT
Nail is an important part of the human body. Apart from its aesthetic usefulness, it also serves to protect the underlying neurovascular structures that have an important role in thermoregulation and sensory perception. The fingernail unit starts developing from the eighth week of gestation and grows continuously throughout life, the rate of growth depending on various factors. The nail unit comprises the nail plate, nail fold, matrix, and hyponychium. The major part of the nail plate is produced by the nail matrix, which is also the only site of expression of hard keratin proteins.
This chapter discusses the anatomy and physiology of this important skin appendage. The knowledge of this is important to understand the pathogenesis of various nail disorders and decide appropriate treatment.
