What is the nail plate made of?

The nail plate is primarily composed of translucent keratin, which is a tough protective protein. This keratin structure provides the nail plate with its durability and strength, making it capable of withstanding various physical stresses. The translucency allows for the underlying nail bed to be visible through the nail plate, giving it a characteristic appearance.

The nail matrix, while essential for nail growth and health, is not the same as the nail plate itself. It is the site where new nail cells are generated, but it does not form the visible structure of the nail. Collagen fibers are found throughout the body and contribute to the supportive framework of tissues but do not comprise the nail plate. Soft proteins, while present in various biological structures, do not provide the same rigid structure as keratin and are not the main component of the nail plate. Thus, the characteristic composition of the nail plate as translucent keratin reinforces its role in protection and aesthetics.