Nail bed

Definition

The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate that provides support and nourishment to the nail. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and melanocytes that contribute to nail health and color.

Related terms

Nail Plate: The hard, translucent part of the nail made of keratin that covers and protects the underlying nail bed.

Cuticle: The layer of skin at the base of the nail where it meets the nail plate, acting as a protective barrier for the new nail as it grows.

Matrix: The area at the base of the nail under the cuticle that contains dividing cells which produce new nail cells, driving nail growth