finger

Each of the five terminal parts of the hand containing numerous Meissner’s corpuscles, giving them great sensitivity.

lunula

Whitish section between the root and the body of the nail corresponding to the visible front portion of the matrix.

body of nail

Central pinkish section of the nail adhering to the nail bed.

free margin

Whitish terminal part of the nail extending beyond the finger.

nail bed

Portion of the finger upon which the nail sits containing numerous blood vessels, thus nourishing the nail.

digital pulp

Fleshy terminal part of the inner finger.

nail matrix

Section of the epidermis from which the nail grows.

middle phalanx

Second phalange of the finger between the proximal and distal phalanges.

distal phalanx

Last phalange of the finger bearing a nail.

dermis

Layer of skin enclosing tactile receptors ensuring nutrition and support of the epidermis.

epidermis

Surface layer of the skin covering and protecting the dermis; it contains proteins that make the skin impermeable and block ultraviolet rays.

root of nail

Base of the nail implanted in the matrix and protected by a fold of skin (cuticle).