Term
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Term
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Nail Structure
Nail Structure and growth
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Bed epithelium | Thin layer of tissue that attaches the nail plate and the nail bed. |
Cuticle | Dead colorless tissue attached to the natural nail plate. |
Eponychium | Living skin at the base of the natural nail plate that covers the matrix area. |
free edge | part of the nail plate that extends over the tip of the finger or toe. |
hyponychium | slightly thickened layer of skin under the nail that lies between the fingertip and free edge of the natural nail plate. |
ligament | Tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds an organ in place. |
lunula | Visible part of the matrix that extends from underneath the living skin; it is the whitish , half-moon shape at the base of the nail. |
matrix | Area where the nail plate cells are formed; this area is composed of matrix cells that produce the nail plate. |
nail bed | Portion of the living skin that supports the nail plate as it grows toward the free edge. |
nail folds | folds of normal skin that surround the natural nail plate. |
nail groove | furrow on each side of the nail |
nail malformation | when the nail is abnormal in shape or form |
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. |
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. Together all of these parts form the nail unit. |
natural nail | aka; 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. |
perionychium | The tissue bordering the root and sides of a fingernail or toenail. |
sidewall | aka; lateral nail fold. The fold of skin overlapping the side of the nail. |