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In most primates, a nail is a claw-like plate at the tip of the fingers and toes. Nails are similar to claws in other animals. The strong protective protein alpha-keratin, which is a polymer, is made up of fingernails and toenails. Vertebrates have alpha-keratin in their hooves, claws, and horns.

The nail plate, nail matrix, and nail bed underneath it, as well as the grooves that surround it, make up the nail.

The purpose of a healthy fingernail is to protect the distal phalanx, fingertip, and surrounding soft tissues from injury. It also helps to improve exact sensitive motions of the distal fingers by applying counter-pressure to the finger pulp. When the end of the finger meets an item, the nail serves as a counter-force, increasing the sensitivity of the fingertip despite the nail’s lack of nerve endings. Finally, the nail serves as a tool that allows for a “extended precision grasp” (for example, pulling a splinter out of one’s finger) as well as specific cutting and scraping motions.

The growing component of the nail is under the epidermis, which is the only living element of a nail, near the proximal end of the nail.

The length of the terminal phalanges determines the pace of nail development in animals (outermost finger bones). Thus, the index finger’s nail develops quicker than the little finger’s, and fingernails grow up to four times faster than toenails in humans.

Fingernails grow at a pace of around 3.5 mm (0.14 in) each month in humans, whereas toenails grow at approximately 1.6 mm (0.063 in) per month. Toenails take twelve to eighteen months to regenerate fully, whereas fingernails take three to six months. Age, sex, season, exercise level, nutrition, and genetic factors all influence the pace of development. The world’s longest female nails ever measured a total of 8.65 meters (28 ft 4.5 in). Nails do not grow after death, contrary to common belief; the skin dehydrates and tightens, making the nails (and hair) seem to grow.

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