Question

Complete each of the sentences with the correct word or words regarding the function and structure of nails.

a. Nails are a scalelike modification of the __________layer of the _________
b. Nails form on the _______edges of the fingers and the toes.
c. Fingernails _________digits from damage protect the

1. stratum corneum
2. do
3. dermis
4. do not
5. ventral
6. epidermis
7. dorsal

Answer 1

a. nails are a scalelike modification of the stratum corneum layer of the epidermis

b. nails form on the dorsal edges of the fingers and toes

c. fingernails do protect the digits from damage

Step-by-step explanation:

The stratum corneum consists of the top layer of the epidermis (i.e., skin). Nails represent a modification of the epidermis and they are composed of densely packed dead skin cells (keratinocytes), which are rich in a protective protein called alpha-keratin. The nail plate is the hard keratinized part of the nail. The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail plate. The nails grow from the proximal portion of the nail bed, which is known as the nail matrix. The main function of the nails is to protect the tips of fingers and toes from injury.