In the current issue of Popular Science (Sept. 2007), there is a Q&A for this question. (I sometime ask myself the same when cutting nails). It turned out fingernails grow about 1 tenth of an inch per month, about 2 times as fast as toenails.
There are 2 theories for this disparity in growth rate. One theory suggests that hands benefits from better blood circulation - and thus, a better supply of oxygen and nutrients - because they are physically close to your heart than your feet.
Another theories the so-called trauma theory. The persistent minor traumas, such as typing, actually stimulate fingernails growth. Whereas our toes enjoys a virtually trauma-free existence inside socks and shoes.
Interesting, I wouldn´t have imagined it. It would be nice if an experiemt could be conducted to prove these facts, but it would be difficult to do, right?
ReplyDeleteI think my wife, and many other dancers, would take issue with the "trauma-free" existence of toenails within shoes...she's had her toes mashed many times while giving dance lessons, and I've tromped on her more times than I like to remember. Her poor toenails ought to be seven inches long and three thick by this time.
ReplyDeleteBilbo,
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I would guess for dancers, their toenails grow faster ?