Finger and toe nails stay attached to the skin around them due to the fact that the nails are formed by the matrix, the base of the nail. The matrix produces cells that harden and compress to form the nail plate, which is the visible part of the nail. These cells are continually pushed forward by the matrix, and as they harden and compress, they form a strong, durable structure that is attached to the skin around the nail bed. Additionally, the nails are anchored to the skin by small, invisible fibers called laminin and collagen that act like a glue, connecting the nails to the skin.