Nail structure and growth

Front

Natural nail

Back

The hard protective plate located at the end of a finger or toe.

Front

Nail unit

Back

The complete structure of the nail, including the nail plate, nail bed, matrix, cuticle, and surrounding skin.

Front

Nail plate

Back

The visible hard part of the nail, made of keratin.

Front

Nail bed

Back

The skin beneath the nail plate.

Front

Matrix

Back

The tissue under the nail that produces cells which become the nail plate.

Front

Cuticle

Back

The thin layer of skin at the base of the nail, protecting the matrix.

Front

Lunula

Back

The visible part of the matrix, often seen as a white crescent at the base of the nail.

Front

Bed epithelium

Back

The layer of cells that connects the nail bed to the nail plate.

Front

Free edge

Back

The part of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip.

Front

Eponychium

Back

The living skin at the base of the nail plate covering the matrix area.