Final answer:
The use of variable speed electric nail files on natural nails must be done carefully to avoid harming the nail structure and incorporating toxic chemicals. Nails serve protective and sensory functions and their growth and health can indicate overall well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nail Care and Health
Nails are important accessory structures of the integumentary system, comprised of dead keratinocytes that are filled with keratin. This makes them hard yet flexible, serving protective and sensory functions. Nail products, including variable speed electric nail files, are often used for maintenance and aesthetic purposes but can possibly contain toxic chemicals such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, and formaldehyde. The use of electric nail files on the natural nail should be undertaken with care to avoid damage to the nail bed, nail body, nail cuticle, nail fold, and nail root, as well as to ensure the continued health of the nail and surrounding skin.
Fingernails grow faster than toenails with their growth rate influenced by factors like age, sex, and season. The color of the nail bed can indicate the oxygen and blood flow in a patient, while changes in how the nail plate grows can reveal recent health issues. As tools, fingernails also enhance sensation when handling objects by acting as a counterforce to the sensitive fingertips.
When using nail tools such as electric nail files, it's crucial to acknowledge their potential risks and benefits to maintain nail health. For detailed information about the origin and growth of fingernails, reference materials such as those available on reputable medical or educational websites can be utilized.