Why do we have cuticles? – Sports Science Zone

Question: Why do we have cuticles?
- Keywords:
  body,
  finger,
  finger nail,
  human body,
  skin
Asked by fisherjwh to Helen, Jenni, Mark, Martin, Stu on 23 Jun 2011.
- Jenni Tilley answered on 20 Jun 2011:
  
  We have cuticles on the outside of our hair and at the bottom of our nails, directly over our nailbed. They’re their to protect from outside damage – if you damage your namil bed, your nail may not grow again!
- Helen O'Connor answered on 23 Jun 2011:
  
  I’m glad Jenni knew that! All I know is our hair and nails are actually ‘dead’ but I didnt know what cuticles were for.

Question: Why do we have cuticles?