Recently smashed my finger and lost the nail and it got me wondering what is the biological / mechanical / etc function / reason for fingernails? Sure it would be harder to grip little things, but is there a structural reason why our digits need these things?
EDIT: Follow up question. What is different about the skin underneath your nail that makes it so painful when initially exposed to air?
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Fingernails support the structure of the finger making it easier to handle tiny things like needles and thread. They’re also natural grooming tools, gently scratching wet skin exfoliates it effectively and they work tolerably well in place of a toothbrush if you’re desperate for a cleaning and without one.
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