* Nail Plate: This is the hard, translucent part of the nail that you see. It's made of keratin.
* Nail Bed: This is the skin underneath the nail plate. It's highly vascularized (full of blood vessels), which gives the nail its pinkish color. The nail plate adheres to the nail bed.
* Nail Matrix: This is the area where the nail plate is generated. It's located beneath the proximal (closest to the body) nail fold. The matrix contains cells that divide and differentiate to form the nail plate. Damage to the matrix can cause permanent nail deformities.
* Lunula: This is the white, half-moon-shaped area at the base of the nail, near the cuticle. It's the visible part of the nail matrix.
* Nail Folds: These are the skin folds that surround the nail plate on three sides:
* Proximal Nail Fold: The skin fold that covers the base of the nail plate (where the matrix is).
* Lateral Nail Folds: The skin folds along the sides of the nail plate.
* Cuticle (Eponychium): This is the thickened layer of skin that lies along the proximal nail fold and seals the space between the nail fold and the nail plate. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing infection of the nail matrix.
* Hyponychium: This is the skin just under the free edge of the nail (the part that extends beyond the finger or toe). It also forms a seal, protecting the nail bed from infection.