What structure forms the base of the nail unit?

The nail unit is composed of several key structures, each playing a vital role in the overall health and function of a nail. The base of the nail unit is known as the nail bed. This is the portion of skin beneath the nail plate that supports and nourishes the nail as it grows. The nail bed contains blood vessels and nerves, and it is crucial for the attachment of the nail plate.

As the nail grows, it is pushed forward from the matrix, which is located at the back of the nail unit, but the nail bed serves as the foundational layer that the nail plate rests upon. The health of the nail bed is essential for proper nail growth and appearance, making it a critical component of the nail structure. Understanding the function and importance of the nail bed helps in identifying and addressing various nail disorders that may arise from damage or disease affecting this area.

The matrix produces the cells that form the nail plate, while the hyponychium is located beneath the free edge of the nail, and the lateral nail folds are the skin folds at the sides of the nail, but none of these structures serve as the base of the nail unit.