102N.11 Nail Theory Flashcards
Onychology
The study of the structure and growth of nails
Onyx
Technical name for nail
Free edge
Part of nail plate extending beyond the tip of finger or toe
Onychodermal band
Glassy, grayish band at the point where the nail plate meets the hyponychium and keeps the seal intact; aka smile line
Nail plate
Hard, non-living, keratinized nail cells, with no nerves or blood vessels
Lunula
Front portion of nail matrix that appears lighter in color,creating half-moon shape at base of nail plate; plate cells are thinner and softer
Eponychium
The live tissue at the underside portion of the PNF covering the new growth of the nail plate; houses specialized stem cells that create the cuticle
Cuticle
The thin, pliable colorless layer of nonliving tissue that has been shed by cells in eponychium; attaches to nail plate, creating a seal between PNF and nail plate
Proximal nail fold
Fold of skin at base above nail plate; extends from first joint of the finger to the visible nail plate, back under skin, to nail matrix
Nail matrix
Creates new nail cells that harden and flatten as they move outward from nail plate; is below PNF and is where growth originates
Nail bed
Area where nail plate rests; nerves and blood vessels found here, supplying nourishment to nail plate rests
Perionychium
The folds of living tissue/skin on either side of the nail bed and plate; keeps bacteria out of sides; aka side walls or lateral nail folds
Bed epithelium
Specialized tissue that adheres to nail plate through interlocking grooves, allowing nail plate to move with growth, while staying in place
Hyponychium
Area underneath free-edge that creates seal to prevent bacteria from entering nail bed
Keratin
Protein that makes up skin, hair, and nails
