【ScienceABC】Why Do Humans Have Fingernails And Toe...

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The long, hard part of the nail (that people polish and paint) is called the nail plate. Its shape is determined by the form of the underlying bone. A few layers of dead, compacted cells make the nail strong and rigid, yet somewhat flexible.

As the nail grows and pokes out from your skin, the cells it contains actually die, which is why trimming your nails doesn’t hurt. The same is true for hair.

Why do we have fingernails and toenails?

As mentioned earlier, fingernails and toenails on on our limbs are quite similar to the hooves and claws found in so many other animals. Primates, including humans, have broad fingertips, and nails help them support those fingers.

Notice the broad fingertips of a lemur. (Photo Credit : Pixabay)

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