Chapter 9: Nail Structure and Growth

Thin layer of tissue that attaches the nail plate and the nail bed.

• eponychium

• bed epithelium

• free edge

• cuticle

Dead, colorless tissue attached to the natural nail plate.

• eponychium

• bed epithelium

• free edge

• cuticle

Living skin at the base of the natural nail plate that covers the matrix area.

• eponychium

• bed epithelium

• free edge

• cuticle

Part of the nail plate that extends over the tip of the finger or toe.

• eponychium

• bed epithelium

• free edge

• cuticle

Slightly thickened layer of skin under the nail that lies between the fingertip and free edge of the natural nail plate.

• ligament

• matrix

• hyponychium

• lunula

Tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds an organ in place.

• ligament

• matrix

• hyponychium

• lunula

Visible part of the matrix that extends from underneath the living skin; it is the whitish, half-moon shape at the base of the nail.

• ligament

• matrix

• hyponychium

• lunula

Area where the nail plate cells are formed; this area is composed of matrix cells that produce the nail plate.

• ligament

• matrix

• hyponychium

• lunula

Portion of the living skin that supports the nail plate as it grows toward the free edge.

• nail groove

• nail plate

• nail bed

• nail unit

• nail folds

Folds of normal skin that surround the natural nail plate.

• nail groove

• nail plate

• nail bed

• nail unit

• nail folds