Understanding Nail Anatomy and Care

What is the technical term for the nail?

• Cuticle

• Lunula

• Onyx

• Matrix

What protein makes up the nail plate?

• Collagen

• Keratin

• Elastin

• Myosin

Describe the appearance of a normal, healthy nail.

• Brittle and yellow

• Smooth and translucent

• Ridged and discolored

• Thick and opaque

Name the basic parts of the nail unit.

• Nail plate, nail bed, matrix

• Dermis, epidermis, follicle

• Follicle, medulla, root

• Skin, nails and hair

Explain the difference between the nail plate and the nail bed.

• The nail plate is the living tissue, while the nail bed is the hard, protective part.

• The nail plate is the hard, protective part, while the nail bed is the living tissue underneath.

• The nail plate is the cuticle, while the nail bed is the matrix.

• The nail plate is the matrix, while the nail bed is the cuticle.

What is the average growth of nails in one month?

• 1 inch

• 1/2 inch

• 1/4 inch

• 1/10 inch

What is the difference between the cuticle and the eponychium?

• The cuticle is the visible part of the nail, while the eponychium is the hard, protective part.

• The cuticle is the dead tissue on the nail plate, while the eponychium is the living skin at the base of the nail plate.

• The cuticle is the living skin at the base of the nail plate, while the eponychium is the dead tissue on the nail plate.

• The cuticle is the matrix, while the eponychium is the lunula.

Why are cosmetologists not allowed to cut the skin around the base of the nail plate?

• It is illegal to cut any part of the nail.

• Cutting the skin can lead to infection and damage to the nail matrix.

• It is unnecessary as the skin does not affect nail health.

• The skin is too hard to cut safely.

What three things can affect the growth of the nail plate?

• Color, length, size

• Nutrition, general health, exercise

• Temperature, humidity, and altitude

• Genes, length, width

Which part of the nail is responsible for its growth?

• Nail plate

• Lunula

• Matrix

• Hyponychium