Understanding Nail Growth: Where Do Nails Actually Form?

That statement is a bit misleading. While it's true that nail production happens *under* the nail, it's not happening at the nail itself. Here's a clearer explanation:

* Nail matrix: This is the hidden part of your nail located at the base of the finger. It's like the "factory" that produces new nail cells.

* Nail plate: This is the visible part of your nail, which is what we typically think of as the "nail." It's made up of dead, hardened cells that are pushed outward by the nail matrix.

So, the nail itself is the product of the nail matrix, not the site of production. The nail matrix is like a conveyor belt, constantly creating new cells that form the nail plate.