free edge - nail plate that goes beyond the end of the nail bed. , side wall - Fold of skin at the side of the nail. Creates a barrier to protect against bacteria and fungus  , nail plate - Made up of keratinised cells. Protects finger ends from trauma. , hyponychium - band of skin under the free edge to create a barrier against bacteria. , nail bed - provides a surface for the nail to grow., nail groove - helps to guide the nail to grow in the correct direction. , lunula - visible portion of the matrix. Cells are not fully keratinised and appears lighter in colour. , matrix - The mother of the nail where mitosis happens to create the nail plate , proximal nail fold - skin bordering the base of the nail helps to protect underlying structures such as the matrix , cuticle/eponychium - None living tissue at the base of the nail. ,

Nail structure descriptions

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