During nail growth, which part moves over the nail bed?

• A. Nail bed
• B. Nail root
• C. Lunula
• D. Nail plate

Answer: (D)

During nail growth, the nail plate is the part that moves over the nail bed. The plate is formed by cells produced in the nail matrix at the base of the nail, under the skin. As these cells are produced and keratinized, they are pushed forward, becoming the hard, translucent cover we see. That plate slides forward over the nail bed, which remains in place and supplies nourishment to the growing nail. The pale crescent area at the base, the lunula, reflects the visible portion of the matrix, while the nail root refers to the portion beneath the skin from which growth originates.