They are elongated cells. Medulla Polyhedral cells that contain eleidin and keratin. The germinal layer that produces new hairs by cell division within the SAME follicle. Papilla Loose connective tissue. The second epidermal derivative for discussion is nails, Figure 7 .
Nails are hard, keratinized cells of the epidermis.
They help us to grasp and manipulate small objects in various ways. They also protect the ends of the digits from trauma. There are 5 regions of interest to us. Nail root Portion of the nail beyond the end of the digit. Portion of the nail, which is visible.