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Biology/Nail Growth after death

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Expert: - 7/9/2009


Question
I know that after death hair and nails still grow, however, if the limb was to be removed from the body, eg hand was cut off, would the nails still grow, and if so would it be at a slower rate, or not as long?

Answer
 Hi Mark
After death all cells cease to function and despite popular opinion hair and nails do not grow after death.  It looks like growth appears  because of shrinkage of the body. Hair and nails are dead tissue and growth can only occur when tha cells are alive

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Walter Hintz

Expertise

Science teacher for over 50 years. MSc. in biology. I can answer questions in general biology, zoology, botany, anatomy and physiology and biochemistry.

Experience

I have a MSc in biology and have been a science teacher for over 50 years. At present I am a faculty member at a college and a science consultant at seven catholic schools.

Publications
The Ohio journal of Science
Momentum-The Journal of the Catholic Education Association

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