Nail Anatomy

1234567
Across
  1. 3. (sterile matrix) – lies underneath the nail plate, attaching it to the distal phalanx. The nail bed provides a smooth surface for the growing nail plate to slide over (it does not contribute to plate growth itself).
  2. 5. – outer portion of the nail unit, formed by layers of keratin. It forms a hard, yet flexible, translucent plate.
  3. 7. – the area distal to the nail bed, situated underneath the free edge of the nail plate.
Down
  1. 1. – skin that surrounds and protects the proximal and lateral margins of the nail plate
  2. 2. – white ‘half-moon’ appearance of the germinal matrix through the proximal nail plate.
  3. 4. – area of soft tissue proximal to the sterile matrix. Cells within the germinal matrix divide and become keratinised to form the nail plate. Continuous cell division within the matrix ‘pushes’ the nail plate over the bed as it matures.
  4. 6. (cuticle) – layer of stratum corneum which extends between the skin of the finger and proximal nail plate.