Nail Theory Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is onychatrophia?

Atrophy of the nail

As new cells are produced, they push the old cells forward toward the free edge and __?

keratinize

What is another name for a contagious fungal infection of the nails?

onychomycosis

Onychorrhexis indicates the nail condition of split or _____ nails?

brittle Signup and view all the answers

What is onychoschiza?

Splitting or peeling of the nail plate typically at the free edge Signup and view all the answers

What is a myxoid cyst?

A small, fluid-filled sac that develops on the finger Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the cause of a disease or disorder?

Etiology Signup and view all the answers

What is onychosis?

Any disease, disorder or condition of the nail Signup and view all the answers

What describes nail psoriasis?

Shallow or deep holes in the nail Signup and view all the answers

In the illustration of the nail, what number represents the matrix?

3 Signup and view all the answers

What number represents the proximal nail fold in the nail illustration?

2 Signup and view all the answers

What is another term for bitten nails?

Onychophagy Signup and view all the answers

What determines the thinness or thickness of the nail plate?

Nail Matrix Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-moon shape at the base of the nail called?

Lunula Signup and view all the answers

What happens during onychomadesis?

Matrix stops creating nail plate cells Signup and view all the answers

Nails are made of a hardened protein known as?

Keratin Signup and view all the answers

What are the nail sidewalls also known as?

Lateral nail folds Signup and view all the answers

The nail matrix creates nail cells that harden and flatten as they move outward from the __?

Nail plate Signup and view all the answers

What area does the nail plate rest on?

Nail bed Signup and view all the answers

What is the glassy band where the nail plate meets the hyponychium called?

Onychodermal band Signup and view all the answers

A green or yellow discoloration on the nail can indicate a __?

Bacterial infection Signup and view all the answers

If a nail is lost through disease, what may happen to the regrown nail?

Grows back distorted Signup and view all the answers

If a client shows signs of koilonychia (spoon nails), which action should you NOT take?

Apply strong pressure to the nail plate Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of brittle nails?

Overuse of nail solvents Signup and view all the answers

Which nail disease is described as a small, round lesion?

Pyogenic granuloma Signup and view all the answers

What nail condition is typically caused by a nail plate stain?

Discolored nails Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the nail grooves?

Move nail on tracks as it grows Signup and view all the answers

Which nail structure is made of layers of hard keratinized nail cells?

Nail plate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms is considered an appendage of the skin?

Nail Signup and view all the answers

What is the thin, pliable layer of non-living tissue that attaches to the nail plate?

Cuticle Signup and view all the answers

What is the job of the proximal nail fold?

Protect the nail matrix Signup and view all the answers

What is the study of the structure and growth of the nails called?

Onychology Signup and view all the answers

What skin structure extends from the first joint of the finger to the visible nail plate?

Proximal nail fold Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the free edge of the nail?

Protect tips of fingers and toes Signup and view all the answers

What part of the nail contains lymph, blood vessels, and nerves that create new nail cells?

Nail matrix Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nail Diseases and Conditions

Onychatrophia refers to the atrophy or loss of the nail.
Tinea unguium, also known as onychomycosis, is a contagious fungal infection affecting the nails.
Onychorrhexis indicates nails that are brittle and prone to splitting.
Onychoschiza is characterized by splitting or peeling of the nail plate, especially at the free edge.
Nail psoriasis manifests as shallow or deep holes in the nail surface.
Onychomadesis occurs when the matrix stops producing nail plate cells, leading to a cessation of nail growth.
Pyogenic granuloma presents as a small, round lesion on the hand, foot, or nail bed.
Discolored nails typically result from staining of the nail plate.

Nail Structure and Growth

Keratinization is the process whereby old nail cells are pushed forward by newly produced cells, hardening as they grow.
The nail matrix is crucial as it determines the nail's thickness and generates new nail cells.
The lunula is the half-moon shape visible at the base of the nail.
Nail grooves assist in guiding the nail as it grows, ensuring proper alignment.
The onychodermal band is a glistening area where the nail plate meets the hyponychium.
The nail bed serves as the supportive layer for the nail plate.
The cuticle is the non-living tissue that attaches to the nail plate, providing protection.

Nail Maintenance and Health

Brittle nails may result from overuse of nail solvents, which can weaken the nail structure.
A fluid-filled sac near the finger joint is known as a myxoid cyst.
The proximal nail fold protects the delicate nail matrix from infections and injuries.
A green or yellow discoloration under the nail may indicate a bacterial infection.
If a nail is lost due to disease or infection, the regrown nail often appears distorted.

Other Key Terms

Onychosis refers to any disease or disorder affecting the nails.
Etiology is the study of the cause of a disease, disorder, or condition related to nails.
Onychophagy describes the habit of biting nails.
Onychology is the study of nail structure and growth.
Lateral nail folds are also known as perionychium, referring to the skin folds surrounding the nail.

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Description

Test your knowledge on important nail theory terms and definitions with these flashcards. Learn about conditions like onychatrophia and onychorrhexis as well as terms related to nail health. Perfect for nail technicians and students in cosmetology.