Nail Structure and Growth Review Questions

What is the technical term for the natural nail?

What is the major protein that makes up the natural nail?

Describe the appearance of a natural, healthy nail.

Name the basic parts of the nail unit.

Explain the difference between the nail plate and the nail bed.

What part of the nail unit contains the nerves, lymph, and blood vessels?

What is the difference between the cuticle and the eponychium?

Why are cosmetologists not allowed to cut the skin around the base of the nail plate, even if the client requests this during the service?

What can affect the growth of the nail plate?

Nail Structure and Growth

The natural nail is technically known as onyx.
Keratin is the primary protein that composes the natural nail.
A healthy nail appears firm yet flexible, with a shiny, smooth surface free from spots, ridges, pits, or splits. It typically exhibits a whitish and translucent color, showing the pinkish hue of the nail bed underneath.
The nail unit consists of several fundamental components: nail plate, nail bed, matrix, cuticle, eponychium, perionychium, hyponychium, specialized ligaments, and nail folds.
The nail plate is a hardened layer of keratin, while the nail bed is living skin that supports the nail plate as it grows toward the free edge.
The matrix is the part of the nail unit that contains essential nerves, lymph, and blood vessels, facilitating nail growth and health.
The cuticle refers to the dead, colorless tissue attached to the nail plate, while the eponychium is the living skin covering the base of the nail plate and protecting the matrix area.
Cosmetologists are prohibited from cutting the skin around the nail plate due to safety regulations; cutting living skin is outside their professional scope and is not allowed under any condition.
Various factors can influence nail plate growth, including seasons, pregnancy, age, nutrition, exercise, and an individual's general health.

Test your knowledge on the anatomy and growth of nails with this set of flashcards. Covering key terms like 'onyx' and 'keratin', this quiz provides a concise overview of healthy nail characteristics. Perfect for students in cosmetology or beauty courses.