NIC Nail Technician Written ExamScientific ConceptsMedium
A client has recently started a new medication that causes her nails to become unusually thin and prone to breaking. Which part of the nail unit is primarily responsible for producing the nail plate, and therefore most affected by systemic conditions like medication side effects?
- ANail matrix
- BNail bed
- CHyponychium
- DEponychium
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Nail matrix
The nail matrix is the specialized tissue located at the base of the nail under the eponychium (cuticle). It is responsible for producing the cells that form the nail plate. Systemic conditions or medications that affect nail growth and health primarily impact the nail matrix.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The nail bed supports the nail plate but does not produce it.
- C. The hyponychium is the thickened stratum corneum under the free edge, protecting the nail bed, but not involved in nail plate production.
- D. The eponychium (cuticle) is the living skin at the base of the nail plate, protecting the matrix, but doesn't produce the nail plate itself.
Nail Matrix
The active tissue that generates cells which harden into the nail plate. It is located at the base of the nail under the eponychium.
- Responsible for nail growth.
- Sensitive to trauma and systemic conditions.
- Determines the thickness and health of the nail plate.
Memory trick: Matrix Makes the Nail.