Final answer:
It takes about 6 months for a fingernail to regrow completely, while a toenail may take 12-18 months. Nail growth begins in the nail matrix at the base of the nail and continues as new cells form and push out the older cells to extend the nail plate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the biology of nail growth. If a nail is lost, it can take several months for a new nail plate or body to grow completely. The actual time can vary depending on various factors like age, sex, and overall health.
Fingernails typically grow faster than toenails. On average, fingernails grow at a rate of about 3 mm per month. It can take about 6 months for a fingernail to regrow completely, whereas it might take 12-18 months for a toenail due to slower growth rates.
The nail matrix is responsible for nail growth as it produces new cells. This matrix is located at the proximal end of the nail, near the base beneath the skin, which is where nail growth begins. Over time, these cells grow out to form the visible nail that we see.