Nail Structure
It is important to have an understanding of your Nail Structure, so I hope you can learn a thing or two from the descriptions below:
Nail Diagram
Nail Definitions
- The Free Edge
- The is the end of the nail plate that is shaped during Manicure & Pedicure
- The Hyponichium
- This is the portion of skin at the end of the finger underneath the free edge, where the nail plate separates from the skin.
- The Nail Grooves
- These are the grooves on the skin at the sides of the free edge, and the nail follows the line as it grows.
- The Nail Plate
- This is the visible portion of the nail that sits on top of the nail bed. It is made by Keratinisation; the change of living cells to hard, dead cells, and it consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen.
- The Nail Walls
- These are the folds of skin where the nail is still attached.
- The Nail Bed
- This is the part of the finger underneath the nail plate.
- The Lunula
- This is the moon shaped point where the matrix and nail bed meet.
- The Cuticle
- This is the overlapping skin surrounding the nail. Its job is to protect the matrix from invading bacteria and physical damage.
- The Matrix
- This is where the nail is made. It is the only living part of the nail, and contains nerves and blood vessels so that cell reproduction can occur.
