1. Nail plate: This is the visible, hard part of the nail that you see. It's made of keratin, the same protein found in your hair and skin.
2. Nail bed: This is the skin under the nail plate, which provides nourishment to the nail. It contains blood vessels and nerves.
3. Nail matrix: This is the hidden part of the nail, located under the cuticle. It's responsible for producing new nail cells and determining the thickness and shape of the nail.
Here's a breakdown of each part:
Nail plate:
* Free edge: The part of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip.
* Body: The main part of the nail plate that covers the nail bed.
* Lunula: The white, crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail plate.
Nail bed:
* Eponychium: The thin layer of skin at the base of the nail plate that attaches to the nail. It's often called the cuticle.
* Hyponychium: The skin under the free edge of the nail.
Nail matrix:
* Germinal matrix: The deepest layer of the nail matrix, where new nail cells are produced.
* Proximal matrix: The part of the nail matrix that determines the thickness of the nail.
* Lateral matrix: The part of the nail matrix that determines the width of the nail.
Understanding the different parts of the fingernail can help you learn about nail growth, nail health, and how to care for your nails properly.