Structure of the Nail

Front

Lunula

Back

The crescent-shaped whitish area of the nail bed.

Front

Eponychium (cuticle)

Back

The skin at the base of the nail plate.

Front

Perionychium (cuticle)

Back

The skin that surrounds the nail.

Front

Matrix

Back

The tissue under the nail that produces cells for nail growth.

Front

Image of nail matrix cells under a microscope

Back

The matrix is situated below the nail mantle and nail fold.

Front

Image of a crescent moon

Back

The lunula is shaped like a crescent moon.

Front

Nail Groove

Back

The nail grooves run along the sides of the nail plate. They keep the nail growing forward in a straight line.

Front

Nail Plate Location

Back

The nail plate lies on top of the nail bed and is attached by ridges and grooves.

Front

Nail Plate Composition

Back

It consists of compressed keratinised cells.

Front

Bones are living tissue and repair themselves if broken by specialist cells.

Back

Specialist cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts help in bone repair.