The part of the nail where the nail plate rests on is the nail bed. 2. It is the pearly colored and crescent-shaped area of a fingernail and toenail, known as the lunula. 3. A plate of keratin that lies on the tips of the fingers and toes is the nail plate. 4. The part of the nail that can be filed and shaped is the free edge. 5. It is the visible nail that rests on the nail bed up to the free edge, known as the nail plate.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here’s a breakdown of the different parts of the nail:
- Nail Bed: This is the skin underneath the nail plate where the nail is attached. It’s a soft tissue that provides nutrients to the growing nail, and the nail plate rests on it. The nail bed is rich in blood vessels, giving the nail a pinkish color.
- Lunula: The lunula is the small, crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail, visible under the nail plate. It’s often white or pale in color, and its function is not entirely understood, but it’s believed to be related to the growth of the nail. The lunula is the visible portion of the matrix, where new nail cells are produced.
- Nail Plate: This is the hard, visible portion of the nail. Made of keratin (a tough protein), the nail plate is what we commonly refer to as the “nail.” It covers the tip of the finger or toe and is formed from cells produced in the matrix (under the cuticle area). The nail plate is flexible but strong, providing protection to the sensitive tips of the fingers and toes.
- Free Edge: The free edge is the part of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip and is not attached to the nail bed. It is the portion of the nail that can be filed and shaped. As the nail grows, this free edge becomes longer, and it can be trimmed to maintain nail length.
- Nail Plate (again): The nail plate is the hard, keratinized portion of the nail that rests on the nail bed. It is the visible part of the nail that can be shaped and decorated.
These parts work together to protect the fingers and toes, contribute to their sensitivity, and allow for various functions such as grasping and touching objects.
