Here's a breakdown:
* Nail plate: This is the visible part of the nail, the hard, keratinized structure that we typically think of as the nail. It's the part that grows from the nail matrix and sits on the nail bed.
* Nail bed: This is the living tissue underneath the nail plate, containing blood vessels and nerves. It's responsible for providing nourishment to the nail.
The nail plate is attached to the nail bed by a thin layer of cells called the hyponychium. This layer helps to seal the nail to the bed, preventing bacteria and other contaminants from entering.