Descriptions: Nail Structure

Body of Nail

• Visible attached portion of nail

• The portion of the nail that grows out away from the body

• The part that is embedded in the skin and adheres to an epithelial nail bed

• The part of the nail beneath the body and root

• Edge that covers the nail root

Free Edge of Nail

• Visible attached portion of nail

• The portion of the nail that grows out away from the body

• The part that is embedded in the skin and adheres to an epithelial nail bed

• The part of the nail beneath the body and root

• Edge that covers the nail root

Nail Root

• Visible attached portion of nail

• The portion of the nail that grows out away from the body

• The part that is embedded in the skin and adheres to an epithelial nail bed

• The part of the nail beneath the body and root

• Edge that covers the nail root

Nail Bed

• Visible attached portion of nail

• The portion of the nail that grows out away from the body

• The part that is embedded in the skin and adheres to an epithelial nail bed

• The part of the nail beneath the body and root

• Edge that covers the nail root

Proximal Fold

• An opaque white crescent at proximal end of nail

• Band of epidermis at the base and sides of the nail plate

• Skin on side of nail

• The part of the nail beneath the body and root

• Edge that covers the nail root

Lunule

• An opaque white crescent at proximal end of nail

• Band of epidermis at the base and sides of the nail plate

• Skin on side of nail

• The part of the nail beneath the body and root

• Edge that covers the nail root

Cuticle

• An opaque white crescent at proximal end of nail

• Band of epidermis at the base and sides of the nail body

• Skin on side of nail

• The part of the nail beneath the body and root

• Edge that covers the nail root

Lateral Folds

• An opaque white crescent at proximal end of nail

• Band of epidermis at the base and sides of the nail body

• Skin on side of nail

• The part of the nail beneath the body and root

• Edge that covers the nail root

Nail Matrix

• An opaque white crescent at proximal end of nail

• Band of epidermis at the base and sides of the nail body

• Skin on side of nail

• The part of the nail beneath the body and root

• Edge that covers the nail root