American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

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What is one purpose of keratin in the fingernail?

To provide color
To act as a protective plate
To absorb moisture
To facilitate nail growth

The correct answer is: To act as a protective plate

One primary purpose of keratin in the fingernail is to act as a protective plate. Keratin is a fibrous protein that forms the structural foundation of nails, providing strength and resilience. This tough structure helps to safeguard the underlying tissues from injury and infection, effectively acting as a barrier against environmental elements. The durability of keratin ensures that nails can endure daily wear and tear, protecting the sensitive tips of fingers while enabling a range of functions, such as gripping and picking up objects. While keratin contributes to the overall health and appearance of nails, it does not provide color, absorb moisture, or facilitate nail growth directly. The color of nails is influenced more by underlying blood vessels and the overall health of the nail bed. Moisture management involves other components of the skin and nail, while the growth of nails occurs at the matrix beneath the cuticle, where new cells are produced and pushed forward.