Which term describes the part of the nail that grows underneath the cuticle?

The nail matrix is the region located beneath the cuticle at the base of the nail, and it is essential for nail growth. This area contains cells that divide and produce new nail cells, which then harden as they are pushed outwards, forming the visible part of the nail. As the nail matrix functions, it continuously generates new layers of keratinized cells, leading to the elongation of the nail.

Understanding the role of the nail matrix is crucial for nail technology because it helps in recognizing how nails grow and how various services can affect nail health. Other terms, such as the lunula, refer to the visible portion at the base of the nail but do not encompass the entire growth area underneath the cuticle. The nail fold is the skin surrounding the nail, and "poor" seems to be either a typographical error or an incorrect term in this context.

This distinction highlights the importance of the nail matrix in nail care and maintenance practices within the field of nail technology.