The ends of fingers and toes are protected by structures called ______.Multiple choice question.nailscuticleslunulashairs

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the structures that protect the ends of fingers and toes.
2. Evaluate each given option to determine which one correctly fits.

Relevant Concepts

• Nails: Hard structures composed primarily of keratin located at the tips of fingers and toes.
• Cuticles: The skin at the base of the nail that protects the area between the skin and the nail from infections.
• Lunulas: The visible part of the nail matrix at the base of the nail, often mistaken as part of nail structure but not a protective layer.
• Hairs: Fibers that grow from hair follicles in the skin, unrelated to the protection of fingertips or toe tips.

Analysis and Detail

• Nails: They act as a protective barrier and have a hard structure that covers the sensitive tips of the fingers and toes.
• Cuticles: While they provide some protection, they mainly serve to protect the nail matrix from environmental damage and infections.
• Lunulas: They do not function as protective structures; they are merely a part of the nail anatomy.
• Hairs: They do not provide protection to the ends of the fingers or toes.

Verify and Summarize

After evaluating each option, it is clear that the correct answer should provide direct protection to the fingers and toes.

Final Answer

The ends of fingers and toes are protected by structures called nails.