Question

Discuss skin appendages: nails and hair. What do you think is their function in humans?

Answer 1

A nail consist of alpha- keratin protein and is an envelope that look like horn which are present in primates and some other mammals. Nails cover the tips of the toes and fingers. The nail have four important parts: nail matrix, the nail plate, nail bed below it, and the grooves surrounding nail bed.

Hair are present in all the region of the body except areas like penis, lips etc. in humans. It is made up of alpha keratin protein. The size and density of hairs are not similar in all the body parts. Hair develop from the follicles present in the dermis. Hair fibers have three structure: cuticle, (outer part), cortex and inner one medulla.

Function of the nail in human: Nails act as a protective shield for the fingertips and toes and provide protection from the enemy.

Function of the hair in human: Hairs regulate the body temperature, protection and evaporation of perspiration.