What is the nail?

• A. An outgrowth of the skin composed of keratin at the end of each finger and toe
• B. A hair follicle
• C. A gland
• D. A type of connective tissue

Answer: (A)

Nails are specialized keratinized structures that extend from the skin at the tips of the fingers and toes. They are formed by hard keratin produced by the nail matrix, located beneath the proximal nail fold, and the visible nail plate sits on the nail bed. This outgrowth helps protect the fingertip, aids in fine motor tasks, and is a true skin derivative, not a hair follicle, a gland, or connective tissue.