bed epithelium
thin layer of tissue between the nail plate and the nail bed
eponychium
Living skin at the base of the nail plate covering the matrix area
free edge
part of the nail plate that extends over the tip of the finger or toe
hyponychium
The slightly thickened layer of skin that lies between the fingertip the free edge of the nail plate
ligament
tough fibrous tissue connecting bones or organs in place
lunula
The visible part of the matrix that extends from underneath the living skin; whitish half moon shape at the base of the nail
matrix
area where the nail plate cells are formed composed of matrix cells the produce the nail plate
nail bed
portion of the skin that the supports the nail plate as it grows toward the free edge
nail cuticle
dead, colorless tissue attached to the natural nail plate
nail folds
folds of normal skin that surrounds the nail plate
nail grooves
the slits or furrows on the sides of the sidewall
nail plate
hardened keratin plate that sits on and covers the natural nail bed. it is the most visible and functional part of the natural nail unit
natural nail
Also known as onyx; the hard protective plate is composed mainly of keratin, the same fibrous protein found in skin and hair. the keratin in natural nails is harder than the keratin in skin or hair
natural nail unit
composed of several major parts of the fingernail including the nail plate, nail bed, matrix, cuticle, eponychium, hyponychium, specialized ligaments, and nail fold
sidewall
Also known as lateral nail fold; the fold of skin overlapping the side of the nail