Cosmetology · Nail Science

The skin directly beneath the free edge of the nail is called the:

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Correct answer

Hyponychium

A Hyponychium
B Lunula
C Matrix
D Mantle

Why this is the answer

The hyponychium is the slightly thickened skin directly beneath the free edge of the natural nail, where the nail plate separates from the fingertip. It helps form a protective seal that guards against infection entering under the nail. (The matrix is the growth center, the lunula is the visible part of the matrix, and the nail bed lies under the attached nail plate.) Knowing the parts of the nail unit, including the hyponychium under the free edge, is part of the nail-science content on the exam.

Source: Scientific Concepts — Hyponychium

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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.

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The skin directly beneath the free edge of the nail is called the:

Why this is the answer

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About this topic: Nail Science

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