Which fold of skin overlaps the side of the nail?

The lateral nail fold is the correct choice because it specifically refers to the fold of skin that overlaps and protects the sides of the nail. This fold is critical in maintaining the health of the nail by providing a barrier against pathogens and debris, which can cause infections or other nail disorders. Additionally, the lateral nail folds help to guide the growth of the nail plate, ensuring that it grows in a healthy and structured manner.

The nail plate refers to the hard, protective surface of the nail itself but does not describe a fold of skin. The hyponychium is the area of skin located under the free edge of the nail, playing a role in protecting the nail bed, but is not involved in overlapping the sides of the nail. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate that supports the nail, but again, it does not relate to the overlapping of skin. Thus, the lateral nail fold is the precise anatomical term for the protective skin folds on the sides of the nail.