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Hair and Nails: Structure and Functions
Introduction
Hair and nails belong to the integumentary system of the human body. This system provides the body with a waterproof protective shell, elastic and resilient, which defines external individuality. It also affects the harmonious work of the entire body. What is also interesting is that keratin, a tough protein, is found in both the nails and the hair. Keratin creates fibers, which give nails and hair their toughness and strength (Lai-Cheong & McGrath, 2021). Keratin has a hardness akin to chitin, a carbohydrate found in arthropod exoskeletons.
Discussion
Nails play an important role since they protect the tips of fingers and toes. A nail consists of the root, plate, and free margin. Nail beds are where fingernails and toenails develop since more cells are recruited to the nail bed as the nail grows. Older cells are pushed away from the nail bed, and the nail lengthens. Nails protect the fingertips and toes by acting as protective plates. In addition, fingernails also aid in environmental sensing because there are several nerve endings in the region under a nail. These nerve endings help to learn more about the items a person touches. Hair develops from the dermis rather than the epidermis and it grows from within the hair follicle (Lai-Cheong & McGrath, 2021). The bulb, or bottom section of the hair, is where new cells develop. Older cells are pushed higher, causing the hair to grow longer. The hair strands cells are dead and packed with the rope-like protein keratin.
Conclusion
Hair, particularly on the head, aids in keeping the body warm (Lai-Cheong & McGrath, 2021). The air holds a layer of warm air close to the skin, acting as a warm blanket. Hair may also be used as a filter; for example, hair on the nose serves to capture particles in the air that might otherwise enter the lungs.
Reference
Lai-Cheong J., & McGrath J. (2021). Structure and function of skin, hair, and nails. Medicine, 49(6), 337-342.
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