What’s that term?
Understanding the lingo used by nail professionals is super important—it can feel like a whole new language! If you ever have questions about any aspect of your nail care, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Keep in mind, that not every nail technician has formal training, so take the time to find the perfect one for you.
Cuticle
The cuticle, formed by the eponychium, consists of sticky dead skin cells shed by the proximal nail fold. Unlike typical skin cells that flake off, they are held together by a sticky substance, attaching them to the nail plate beneath and the keratinized epidermis above. This essential part of the nail seal is maintained by the eponychium, which binds the dead skin cells together.
Eponychium
The eponychium is a layer of specialized skin cells containing adult stem cells, located on the ventral side of the proximal nail fold. It produces the cuticle, which is a non-living layer of skin cells that lies between the nail plate and the proximal nail fold. While the eponychium is living tissue, the cuticle serves as one of the protective seals for the nail.
Hyponychium
The hyponychium is located beneath the free edge of the nail plate at the fingertip and is essential for protecting the nail unit. It forms a seal with the onychodermal band, preventing harmful bacteria and pathogens from entering the sensitive nail bed and matrix. This barrier helps maintain the health and integrity of the nail unit and is one of the four Guardian Seals.
Lateral Nail Folds
The lateral nail folds, commonly referred to as side walls, are essential structures where the skin of the finger folds down along the sides of the nail plate. They play a crucial role in protecting the nail and form a groove that directs its growth effectively. This strong seal along the edge of the nail effectively prevents the entry of unwanted substances and microorganisms.
Nail Bed
The nail bed, located beneath the nail plate, consists of the nail bed epithelium and dermis. The sticky epithelial tissue keeps the nail plate in place, while the dermis has ridges and grooves that promote smooth nail growth. It is also rich in blood vessels and glands, which help maintain the nail plate's health and moisture.
Nail Bed Epithelial
A layer of epithelial tissue firmly encases the nail bed dermis located beneath the nail plate. This tissue not only enables smooth movement of the nail plate but also ensures a strong attachment to the nail bed, achieved through interlocking ridges and grooves.
Nail Matrix
The nail matrix is crucial for producing new nail plate cells. As these cells form, older ones are pushed forward, causing the nail to grow. The matrix's size and shape affect nail characteristics: a longer matrix results in a thicker nail, while a shorter one leads to a thinner nail. Thus, the matrix is key in determining the nail's thickness and width.
Proximal Nail Folds
The proximal nail fold is the skin layer covering the nail matrix, stretching from the base of the nail plate to the first finger joint. It folds back at the nail plate, forming a colorless, keratinized layer that, along with the cuticle and nail plate, creates an essential seal at the base of the nail.
Nail Plate
The nail plate forms in the nail matrix, where skin cells become hard, flat cells through keratinization. It is the visible part of the nail unit, extending from the matrix to the free edge and made up of multiple cell layers. As the nail grows, it moves over the nail bed, secured by the nail bed epithelium and aligned by the lateral nail folds.
Lunula
The lunula represents the distal edge of the nail matrix and is identified as a half-moon shape located at or beneath the proximal edge of the nail. Frequently observable through the nail plate, the lunula is most pronounced on the thumbs. This region is susceptible to damage, as it consists of slightly soft nail cells that have not yet undergone full keratinization.
Onychodermal Band
The onychodermal band serves as the "natural smile line" of the nail unit. It is characterized by the accumulation of nail bed epithelium as it traverses the constricted seal of the hyponychium. This process results in the formation of a gray line at the interface of the nail bed and the free edge of the nail plate.