Crescents - continued

[Guest guest]

The lunula, or lunulae (pl.), is the crescent-shaped whitish area of the bed of

a fingernail or toenail.

It appears by week 14 of gestation,

and has a primary structural role in defining the free edge of the

distal nail plate (the part of the nail that actually grows outward).

[edit] Appearance

It is located at the end of the nail that is closest to the skin of

the finger but still lies under the nail. It is not actually white but

only appears so when seen through the nail.

It is half-moon-shaped, and has unique histologic features.

The lunula is most noticeable on the thumb, and not everyone's lunula is

visible.

[edit] Clinical significance

The lunula and the nail itself are good places to find warning signs of certain

diseases such as liver disease, kidney disease, heart problems, and lung

diseases.[citation needed]

Any color differences or unusual lines may indicate some type of

disease or insufficiency. However, vertical lines on one's fingernails

are normal as one ages.

Lunular anomalies include changes in form, structure or color.

Lunular dysmorphologic features (that is, anomalies in form) can be

characterized by macrolunula, microlunula or anolunula, and nonconvex

lunula. Lunular dyschromias (color anomalies) can be confluent or

spotted or can be characterized by longitudinal colored bands that

traverse the lunula. Alterations in the morphologic features or color

(or both) of the lunula can be an indication of either a cutaneous or a

systemic disorder.

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[Guest guest]

Haha just like my late grandfather used to say - fingernail wrinkles.

> <<However, vertical lines on one's fingernails

> are normal as one ages.>>

>