Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Combined Recording of Mechanically Stimulated Afferent Output and Nerve Terminal Labelling in Mouse Hair Follicle Lanceolate Endings
Published on: May 7, 2016
Anatomy and physiology of the perionychium
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 19653, Springfield, IL 62794-9653, USA. ezook@siumed.edu
Abstract:
Only primates have a perionychium on the dorsal distal portion of each finger and each toe. The flat nail on the end of the human finger allows for increased sensory perception in the pad of the finger and for efficient and accurate picking up of small objects. It also serves as a guard to protect the very sensate fingertip, and functions as a temperature regulator. Nail loss or deformity can be not only an aesthetic but also a functional problem. This article details the anatomy and physiology of the perionychium, knowledge that is essential to providing optimum care for these specialized structures.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands
These glands that produce the oils on the skin and hair are holocrine glands. The mature...
Peripheral Nervous System: Ganglia and Nerves
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...
Peritoneum
Anatomy of the Peritoneum
The peritoneum is divided into two layers: the parietal peritoneum and the visceral...

