Nail Structure and Growth

Question 1

The appearance of the nails can reflect the general

Answer 1

health of the body.

Question 2

The keratin in natural nails is harder than the

Answer 2

keratin in skin or hair.

Question 3

The water content of a healthy nail is between

Answer 3

15 and 25 percent.

Question 4

Nail plates are made of

Answer 4

dead cells, so they do not require oxygen;

Question 5

nail beds are

Answer 5

live cells, so they do need oxygen, vitamins, and minerals.

Question 6

Toenails are thicker and harder than fingernails because

Answer 6

the toenail matrix is longer than the fingernail matrix.

Question 7

Ordinarily, replacement of a natural fingernail takes about

Answer 7

about 4 to 6 months;

Question 8

Replacement of a toenail takes about

Answer 8

9 months to one year.

Question 9

The natural nail is part of what system?

Answer 9

integumentary

Question 10

The water content of the natural nail directly affects the nail’s:

Answer 10

flexibility

Question 11

The most visible and functional part of the nail unit is the:

Answer 11

nail plate

Question 12

The nail plate is constructed of how many layers of nail cells?

Answer 12

100

Question 13

The part of the nail plate that extends over the tip of the finger or toe is called the:

Answer 13

free edge

Question 14

The portion of living skin that supports the nail plate is the:

Answer 14

nail bed

Question 15

The nail bed contains many nerves and is attached to the nail plate with a thin layer of tissue called the:

Answer 15

bed epithelium

Question 16

The area of the nail where the nail plate cells are formed is the:

Answer 16

matrix

Question 17

The dead, colorless tissue attached to the natural nail plate is the:

Answer 17

cuticle

Question 18

The living skin at the base of the nail plate covering the matrix area is the:

Answer 18

eponychium

Question 19

The slightly thickened layer of skin that lies between the fingertip and the free edge of the natural nail plate is the:

Answer 19

hyponychium

Question 20

The tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds an organ in place is the:

Answer 20

ligament

Question 21

Normal, healthy nails grow in a variety of shapes, depending upon the shape of the:

Answer 21

matrix

Question 22

The average rate of nail growth in the normal adult is about:

Answer 22

1/10 inch per month

Question 23

A hardened keratin plate that sits on and covers the nail bed

Answer 23

Nail plate

Question 24

Also known as the onyx, composed mainly of keratin

Answer 24

Natural nail

Question 25

Fold of skin overlapping the side of the nail

Answer 25

Lateral nail fold

Question 26

Visible part of the matrix that extends from underneath the living skin

Answer 26

Lunula

Question 27

The slits or furrows on the sidewall of the nail

Answer 27

Nail grooves