Mammal, claw (Gross, Low)

Structure List Wall (unguis) Sole (subunguis) Distal phalanx

Claws serve primarily to protect underlying tissues, but in addition they are also used for scratching, digging or as a weapon. Claws are local modifications of skin, as can be seen in their retention of epidermal, dermal and subcutis layers. This carnivore's claw has a wall (unguis) that can be likened to a nail that has been laterally compressed. The epidermis lies deep to the wall and the dermis fuses with the bone of the ungular process. There are longitudinal interdigitations between dermal and epidermal laminae which strongly bond the claw to the dorsal border of the bone. On the undersurface of the claw between the free margins of the wall there is a flaky area called the "sole" or subunguis.