Nail structure

a plate of keratin that lies on the tips of the fingers and toes

• Nail

• Cuticle

• Nail Wall

• Free Edge

the part of the nail where the nail plate rests on, also a continuation of the matrix.

• Hyponichium

• Free edge

• Nail wall

• Nail bed

the folds of skin that overlap the sides of the nail. They hold your nail in place and protect the nail plate edges.

• Free edge

• Nail wall

• Nail

• Nail bed

is visible nail that rests on the nail bed up to the free edge. This is made up from dead cells and minimum amount of moisture.

• Nail bed

• Nail plate

• Free edge

• Cuticle

this is common among people with long, perfect nail beds.

• Squoval nail

• Oval nail

• Round nail

• Stiletto nail

This is a strong shape which is great for those who keep their nails short.

filed away at the sides to a point at the tip; this shape is very weak as the sides of the nail (which provide the strength) are totally lost

As above, but followed by squaring off the tip, this gives the nail tip strength over the oval shape

the only living reproducing part of the nail. This is situated directly below the cuticle.

the part of the nail that can be filed and shaped. It is an extension of the nail plate that overlaps the hyponychium