The Nail Plate
This is the body of the nail. It’s made up keratin which is protein, this is what makes the nails strong.

The Matrix
This is the only living part of the nail. It is sometimes called the root and it is situated at the base of the nail. It has a rich blood supply to help growth.

The Nail Bed
The nail bed contains blood sells and nerve endings. It connects the Nail Plate and keeps the nail in place as it grows. This is the part of that gives the nail it’s healthy pink colour.

The Free Edge
This is the part of the nail that you file. It is the hardest part of the nail.

Nail Grooves
Nail grooves have ridges like a railway track, these help growth in the right direction.

The Lunula
This is also known as the half moon. It lies over The Matrix, this is where the Matrix and the Nail Bed meet. The Lunula is a pearly white colour.

The Cuticle
The Cuticle’s main function is to protect the Matrix by forming a barrier from infection.

The Hyponychium
This is found under the Free Edge and it’s function is to protect the Nail Bed.

The Eponychium (cuticle)
This is an extension of the Cuticle which also
protects the Matrix.

The Perionychium (cuticle)
This surrounds and protects the nail.