Nail (Anatomy)

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. In human anatomy, a nail is a horn-like envelop covering the dorsal aspect of the terminal phalanges of fingers and toes. Nails are also present in several other primates. Although not exclusive to primates, the development of nails is extremely rare in other mammals. Nails are similar to claws, which are found on numerous other animals. In common usage, the word nail often refers to the nail plate only. Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protein called keratin, as are animals'' hooves and horns. Along with hair and teeth they are an appendage of the skin.