Nail

(nal) [AS., naegel, a nail]. The horny structure covering the dorsal aspect of the terminal phalanx of each finger and toe. It consists of intimately united horny epithelial cells derived from the stratum lucidum of the epidermis. A nail rests in the N.-bed, a vascular ti ue corresponding to the corium and the stratum Malpighii of the skin. N.- culture, a term applied in bacteriology to a stab-culture showing a growth along the needle-track, and on the surface a button like projection, giving the appearance of a nail driven into the gelatin. N.-fold, the portion of epidermis that covers the root and edges of the nail. N., Hang-, a little shred of skin hanging from the finger at the side of the nail. N., Ingrowing or Ingrown, an overlapping of the nail by the flesh, from pre ure, attended with ulceration. N.- matrix, the proximal end of the N.-bed; the structure from which the nail grows. N., Turtle-back, a nail curved in all directions; taining, intercellular substance, in which are scattered peculiar branched or stellate cells. ch503.xhtml m 429