The nail has several distinct anatomic areas. The hard nail plate emerges from a matrix of specialized epithelial cells. The matrix begins 7 to 8 mm under the proximal fold, and its distal end is the white crescent called the lunula. The richly vascularized nail bed lies directly beneath the plate to provide adherence and support and is the basis of the characteristic pink color. The proximal and lateral nail folds surround the plate on three sides, and the cuticle, an outgrowth of the proximal fold, provides a seal between the fold and the nail plate.
Reproduced with permission from: Patel L. Management of simple nail bed lacerations and subungual hematomas in the emergency department. Ped Emerg Care 2014; 30:742. DOI:
10.1097/PEC.0000000000000241. Copyright © 2014 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this material is prohibited.
