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Cosmetology · Nail Science

From which structure does the natural nail grow?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

The matrix

  1. A The nail bed
  2. B The lunula
  3. C The free edge
  4. D The matrix

Why this is the answer

The natural nail grows from the matrix, the area of living tissue beneath the base of the nail where nail cells are produced. As new cells form, they push older cells forward, and these harden into the visible nail plate. Because the matrix is the growth center, damage to it can result in permanent nail deformity. The lunula is the part of the matrix visible through the nail as a pale half-moon. Understanding that the matrix is the source of nail growth is essential nail science.
Source: Scientific Concepts — Nail Growth

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About this topic: Nail Science

Nail science covers the structure of the natural nail (plate, bed, matrix, cuticle), nail growth, and the nail disorders and diseases that determine whether a service can go ahead. This is one of 6 Scientific Concepts questions on nail science, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our Cosmetology exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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