Fingernails are made of layers of keratin, a fibrous protein that also makes up our hair and skin. The nail plate, the hard visible part of the nail, grows from the matrix, a layer of cells at the base of the nail bed. The rate of growth is influenced by factors such as age, gender, and health conditions. Additionally, the appearance and texture of the nails can provide clues about health conditions such as liver disease, anemia, and fungal infections.