what is the function of finger nails and why do we need them? – Secondary 11

Question: what is the function of finger nails and why do we need them?
- Keywords:
  nails
Asked by jhorsnall to Jemma, John, Katie, Lisa on 2 Jul 2012.
- Lisa Fitzgerald answered on 2 Jul 2012:
  
  Hi @jhorsnall
  
  Our finger nails protect the sensitive skin underneath them. If you’ve ever torn a nail and exposed the skin you will also know how sensitive it is! They are also a useful tool. Although we do not use them to climb tree or catch prey like other animals they do provide useful hard surface to enhance our dexterity for task such as removing a splinter.
  
  Hope this helps!
  
  Lisa

jhorsnall commented on 2 Jul 2012:

Surely the skin under the finger nail wouldn’t be sensitive if there was no nail?

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Question: what is the function of finger nails and why do we need them?