What is the term for the area of the nail that contains the root?

The area of the nail that contains the root is known as the nail matrix. This is a crucial part of the nail anatomy because it is where new nail cells are produced. The nail matrix is located under the base of the nail, protected by the cuticle, and determines the thickness and the overall growth rate of the nail.

The nail matrix is integral to the formation of the nail plate, as the cells made in this area harden and push previous layers forward, resulting in the growth of the nail toward the fingertip. This zone is also responsible for the shape and strength of the nail, making it a significant area in nail health and growth.

The nail bed refers to the skin beneath the nail plate, which supports the nail but does not produce new nail material. The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix, often seen as a pale crescent shape at the base of the nail, but it does not encompass the entire matrix area. The cuticle, on the other hand, is the thin layer of dead skin that sits at the base of the nail, serving as a barrier to protect the nail matrix from infection.