Lunula (anatomy)
Lunula (anatomy)
The Lunula (pronounced: loo-nyuh-luh), also known as the nail moon or little moon, is a crescent-shaped whitish area of the nail bed in humans. The term "lunula" is derived from the Latin word "luna", meaning "moon".
Etymology
The term "lunula" comes from the Latin "luna" which means "moon". This is due to the crescent shape of the lunula, which resembles a small moon.
Anatomy
The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix, also known as the matrix unguis, keratogenous membrane, nail matrix, or onychostroma. It is the part of the nail bed that is beneath the nail and contains nerves, lymph and blood vessels. The lunula is most noticeable on the thumb; however, not all lunulae are visible.
Function
The lunula plays a crucial role in the formation of the nail. It is the region where keratin (the protein that makes up the nail) is produced. The health and appearance of the lunula can often reflect the health of the body, and changes in the lunula such as color or shape can indicate various diseases or conditions.
Related Terms
- Nail (anatomy): The hard, protective layer at the ends of the fingers and toes.
- Nail bed: The skin beneath the nail plate.
- Nail matrix: The part of the nail bed that produces keratin.
- Keratin: The protein that makes up the nails, hair, and skin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lunula (anatomy)
- Wikipedia's article - Lunula (anatomy)
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