Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Toe Nails

Our nails are an essential sensory organ. The tips of the digits are composed of almost all tissues components found elsewhere in the human body: skin, joint, bone, synovial membrane, ligaments, tendons, arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels, tendon sheaths, nerves, and specialized nervous end organs. The nail plate is made up of laminated keratinized structure on the nail matrix, nail bed with the distal onychodermal band and the hyponychium at the first edge. Some toenails can have a lunula at the distal part of the matrix, characterized by the half-moon shape. The nail plate is embedded in the proximal and lateral folds. The cuticle adheres to the proximal nail fold. The nails possess both complex vascular and nerve networks to ensure adequate blood supply and sensory innervation. All these structures listed function together to provide healthy, growing nails.