Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails

Nails are one of the important accessory structures of the skin. They are hard, protective structures that cover the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of fingers and toes. Nails are composed of specialized keratinized cells and serve various functions, including protection, sensation, and manual dexterity.
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...

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles

Hair and hair follicles are integral components of the integumentary system. Hair is a filamentous structure composed mainly of a protein called keratin. It is found on the surface of the skin throughout the body, except for areas such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...

Fixation and Sectioning

Fixation and Sectioning

Two basic types of preparation are used to visualize specimens with a light microscope: wet mounts and fixed specimens.
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...

Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps

Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps

The pre-procedure steps of handwashing include removing jewelry and rolling up sleeves. However, many organizations allow staff to wear wedding rings.
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail...

Types of Intermediate Filaments

Types of Intermediate Filaments

The intermediate filaments are an essential component of the cytoskeleton. Presently six types of intermediate filament have been identified. Type I and II are acidic and basic keratin proteins. Type III is of mesodermal origin and comprises four proteins: vimentin, desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and peripherin. Vimentin is commonly found in mesenchymal cells, desmin in muscle cells, GFAP in astrocytes, while peripherin is found in peripheral nervous system neurons (PNS). Type...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Pseudolymphomatous Granuloma Annulare Rich in B Lymphocytes.

Dermatopathology (Basel, Switzerland)·2026

Same author

Tumors With GNAQ Mutations: A Review With a Focus on Possible Shared Neural Crest Origins.

The American Journal of dermatopathology·2025

Same author

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of the Quantity of Plasma Cells and Their Distribution Pattern in Zoon's Balanitis.

The American Journal of dermatopathology·2025

Same author

Concepts in Cutaneous Vasculitis.

The American Journal of dermatopathology·2025

Same author

PIK3CA Mutation in FAVA of Adults With Unusual Anatomical Localization.

The American Journal of dermatopathology·2025

Same author

"Pathway Leap": A New Molecular Phenomenon to Consider in the Pathogenesis of Melanocytic Tumors.

The American Journal of dermatopathology·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2025

Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy

Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy

Published on: February 28, 2025

Basic Concepts in Nail Pathology.

Angel Fernandez-Flores^1,2,3

¹Dermatopathologist, Department of Histopathology, University Hospital El Bierzo, Ponferrada, Spain.

The American Journal of Dermatopathology

|September 21, 2023

Summary

This review simplifies nail pathology for pathologists by explaining key conditions using updated histology and embryology concepts. Diagrams are included to aid understanding of nail diseases.

More Related Videos

A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy

A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy

Published on: October 27, 2015

An Intramedullary Locking Nail for Standardized Fixation of Femur Osteotomies to Analyze Normal and Defective Bone Healing in Mice

An Intramedullary Locking Nail for Standardized Fixation of Femur Osteotomies to Analyze Normal and Defective Bone Healing in Mice

Published on: November 13, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 16, 2025

Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy

Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy

Published on: February 28, 2025

A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy

A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy

Published on: October 27, 2015

An Intramedullary Locking Nail for Standardized Fixation of Femur Osteotomies to Analyze Normal and Defective Bone Healing in Mice

An Intramedullary Locking Nail for Standardized Fixation of Femur Osteotomies to Analyze Normal and Defective Bone Healing in Mice

Published on: November 13, 2016

Area of Science:

Dermatopathology
Histology
Embryology

Background:

Nail pathology presents diagnostic challenges for general pathologists and dermatopathologists with limited experience.
A comprehensive understanding of nail histology and embryology is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

To review primary entities in nail pathology.
To provide modern interpretations of nail histology and embryology.
To offer visual aids for comprehending nail pathology.

Main Methods:

Review of primary nail pathology entities.
Application of modern histological and embryological interpretations.
Development of explanatory diagrams.

Main Results:

Key nail pathology entities are presented.
Updated histological and embryological insights are incorporated.
Diagrams are provided to enhance comprehension.

Conclusions:

This article aims to demystify nail pathology for a broader audience.
The review facilitates a better understanding of nail diseases through integrated knowledge.
Visual aids support the learning process in nail pathology.