Nail Physiology

It is the proximal end of the nail, concealed under a fold of skin.

• nail root

• cutitcle

• lunula

• nail body

It is the area where your fingernails and toenails start to grow.

• nail body

• nail matrix

• free edge

• nail bed

It is usually removed during the

manicure process.

• nail bed

• nail plate

• cuticle

• nail walls

A fold of hard skin overlapping the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail.

• nail walls

• nail plate

• nail bed

• nail root

The crescent-shaped whitish area of the bed of a fingernail or toenail.

• nail matrix

• nail body

• lunula

• free edge

It is the visible portion of the nail that rests upon andattached to the nail bed.

• nail bed

• nail body

• nail plate

• nail matrix

The part of a nail that extends past the flesh of the finger or toe and can be filed or shaped during the manicure

process.

• nail walls

• nail plate

• nail body

• free edge nail

It is made of keratin (KAIR-uh-tin) that lies on the tips of the fingers and toes.

• nail

• nail matrix

• nail body

• lunula

It is the skin beneath the nail plate.

• nail plate

• nail bed

• free edge

• cuticle

It is the actual fingernail that is made of translucent keratin protein composed of amino acids. Also known as “Corpus Unguis.”

• nail plate

• nail body

• nail matrix

• nail bed