Which part of the nail structure is primarily made up of hardened keratin?

The nail plate is primarily composed of hardened keratin, which is a type of protein. Keratin is the same structural protein that makes up hair and the outer layer of skin. The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip and is responsible for protecting the underlying structures of the nail unit, including the nail bed and matrix.

This structure is crucial for the overall durability and strength of the nail, allowing it to resist the wear and tear of daily activities. The composition of the nail plate is what gives it its rigidity and protective qualities, making it essential for the health and function of the nail.

In contrast, the nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate that supports its growth, while the hyponychium is the area of skin between the nail plate and the fingertip that protects against infection. The matrix, located beneath the base of the nail, is where new nail cells are produced, which eventually harden to form the nail plate. Thus, while all these parts are integral to nail structure and function, it is the nail plate that is chiefly made up of hardened keratin.