Nail Cuticles and Nail Beds

The nail cuticle is the thin tissue that grows from the finger to overlap the nail plate and form a rim around the base of the nail. Nail Cuticle's purpose is protective: to keep out debris and microorganisms that can harm the matrix and nail bed.

Nail Beds

The nail bed is the finger tissue directly under the nail plate; its network of small blood vessels provides nutrition for the nail. While the nail bed does support the nail, it does not contribute to the nail's growth.

If you have ever wondered how the nail sticks to the nail bed, here is the answer: both the nail beds surface and the nail plate's underside feature vertical ridges and depressions that fit together like puzzle pieces, locking the bed and plate together.

Also known as the nail root, the matrix is the area hidden beneath the cuticle. It is here that nail keratin is created. Nail cells divide in the matrix, thereby lengthening the nail plate, and pushing it forwards over the nail bed. The folds of skin at the nail's base and sides are known as the nail folds. These folds frame and support nails.