Parts of a Nail: Understanding the Structure of Your Nails

What are the parts of a nail?

1) Nail Bed

2) Nail Matrix

3) Lunula

Answer:

The nail consists of the nail bed, nail matrix, and lunula.

The nail is a complex structure comprised of several parts, each playing a crucial role in its function and appearance.

Nail Bed

The nail bed is a specialized structure of the epidermis found at the tips of our fingers and toes. It underlies the nail body and appears pink due to rich blood vessels.

Nail Matrix

The nail matrix is located at the nail root, with a matrix of proliferating cells from the stratum basale allowing the nail to grow continuously.

Lunula

The lunula, meaning 'little moon', is a crescent-shaped region formed by a thick layer of epithelium over the nail matrix at the base of the nail bed. It generally appears white.