Chapter 9: Nails Flashcards
Eponychium
The living skin at the base of the natural nail plate that covers the matrix area
Free edge
The part of the nail that extends over the tip of the finger
Hyponychium
The slightly thickened layer of skin that lies between the fingertip and the free edge of the natural nail plate
Ligament
The tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds an organ in place
Lunula
The whitish half-moon shape at the base of the nail
Matrix
The area where the nail plate cells are formed
Nail bed
The portion of the living skin that supports the nail plate as it grows toward the free edge
Nail cuticle
The dead, colorless tissue attached to the natural nail plate
Nail folds
Folds of the normal skin that surround the nail plate
Nail grooves
The slits or furrows on the sidewall
Nail plate
A hardened keratin plate that sits on and covers the nail bed
Natural nail (onyx)
The hard protective plate composed mainly of keratin
Natural nail unit
Composed of several major parts - nail plate, nail bed, matrix, cuticle, eponychium, hyponychium, specialized ligaments, and nail folds
Sidewall (lateral nail fold)
The fold of skin overlapping on the side of the nail
Bed Epthelium
Helps the nail guide the plate along the nail bed as it grows
