Comparative Anatomy of Mouse and Human Nail Units

In this study we compare the human and mouse nail unit at the macroscopic and microscopic level and use immunohistochemistry to determine the keratin expression patterns in the mouse nail unit. Both species have a proximal nail fold, cuticle, nail matrix, nail bed, nail plate, and hyponychium. Distinguishing features are the shape of the nail and the presence of an extended hyponychium in the mouse. Expression patterns of most keratins are similar. These findings indicate that the mouse nail unit shares major characteristics with the human nail unit and overall represents a very similar structure, useful for the investigation of nail diseases and nail biology. Anat Rec, 296:521–532, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Source: The Anatomical Record Part B: The New Anatomist - February 13, 2013 Category: Anatomy Authors: Philip Fleckman, Karin Jaeger, Kathleen A. Silva, John P. Sundberg Tags: Skin Biology Source Type: research