Nail Anatomy

3. The whitish, half-moon shape at the base of the nail.
5. A thin layer of skin cells between the nail bed and the nail plate.
11. Attach the nail bed and matrix to the bone underneath. A tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds organs in place.
14. Are slits or grooves on the sides of the nail that allow growth.
15. Known as the Lateral Nail Fold, is the piece of skin that overlaps onto the side of the nail.
16. The skin between the free edge and fingertip of the natural nail.

1. A pocket-like fold of skin that holds the nail root and the matrix.
2. The portion of skin that the nail plate rests upon as it grows out.
4. Are skin folds that form the nail grooves.
6. The small portion of non-living epidermis extending around the base of the nail.
7. The additional or excessive skin that overlaps onto the sides of the nail plate.
8. The part of the nail plate that extends beyond the fingertip.
9. The portion of the nail plate hidden under a fold of skin (mantle) at the base of the nail plate.
10. The part of the nail bed that extends below the nail root and helps to produce the nail. Damage can affect the nail plate’s growth.
12. The living skin at the base of the nail plate that partially overlaps the lunula.
13. AKA Nail Body & is the translucent portion of the nail, extending from the nail root to the free edge.