Here's why:
* Nail Matrix: This is the hidden part of the nail located under the skin at the base of the nail. It's a specialized tissue responsible for producing new nail cells. These cells are constantly being pushed forward, leading to nail growth.
* Nail Plate: The visible part of the nail, which is what we usually think of as the nail, is actually composed of dead cells. These cells have already been produced by the nail matrix and have hardened, forming the nail plate.
So, while the nail plate appears to be the "growing" portion, the actual growth happens at the nail matrix.