Here's how it works:
* Nail Matrix: This is a specialized area of tissue located at the base of the nail, beneath the cuticle. It's responsible for producing new nail cells.
* Keratinocytes: The nail matrix is composed of cells called keratinocytes, which are the building blocks of nails. These cells undergo mitosis (cell division) and produce new keratinocytes.
* Nail Growth: The newly formed keratinocytes push older cells forward, causing the nail to grow outward from the nail matrix.
So, the nail matrix is the engine room of nail growth, constantly generating new cells to maintain the length and structure of your nails.