Nail Plate
/neɪl/ /pleɪt/
1. [noun] nail plate: Hardened keratin plate covering the nail bed. Technically referred to as onyx. The hard, protective plate covering the nail bed composed mostly of keratin. “Typically” thin, horny, translucent plates covering the dorsal surface of the distal end of each terminal phalanx of fingers and toes. The nail plate is the large “typically” pink area of the nail. It is formed by a type of modified epidermis and consists of amino acids coming together to form translucent keratin. Other names for the nail plate are “body of the nail” and “corpus unguis"
Source: http://bodyanatomy.info/nail-plate-definition-anatomy-function-diseases-and-pictures/
Frequently Asked Questions
How can understanding the term 'body of the nail' help us appreciate its role on the foot?
Referring to the nail plate as the 'body of the nail' emphasizes the visible hardened keratin layer that protects the nail bed. This terminology distinguishes it from the tissue that produces it, highlighting its structural and protective function.
How might daily walking or running activities illustrate the function of your foot's nail plate?
While walking or running, the nail plate acts as a durable barrier that resists small impacts and abrasions. This everyday action helps underscore its role in maintaining the integrity of the toe's terminal phalanx and surrounding tissues.
How does the Latin term 'onyx' contribute to a clearer understanding of the nail plate?
The Latin term 'onyx' compares the nail plate to a tough, translucent stone, which can help visualize its strength and protective quality. This connection aids in remembering its role as a durable cover on the distal end of each toe.