Final answer:
True, the growth of nails can be affected by poor health, nail disorders, or injury to the nail matrix, a critical area responsible for nail growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The growth of the nails can indeed be affected if a person is in poor health, has a nail disorder, or if the nail matrix has been injured. This is because the nail matrix is a deep layer of living epidermal tissues at the proximal end of the nail from where the nail growth occurs. It contains stem cells that divide to form keratinocytes, which produce keratin and make up the nail. Conditions like illness or nutrient deficiency, as well as physical damage to the nail matrix, can disrupt this process, leading to changes in nail growth.
Fingernails tend to grow faster than toenails, with growth rates being influenced by age, sex, and seasonal variations. Health issues can manifest in the nails in various ways, such as changes in color or texture, which can indicate oxygen saturation issues or fungal infections. Healthcare providers can use the appearance of nails as a quick assessment of a patient's overall health. Substances like herbicides can also be absorbed through the nails, potentially leading to health issues.