Which term describes the fold of normal skin that surrounds the nail plate?

The term that describes the fold of normal skin surrounding the nail plate is known as the nail fold. The nail fold consists of the skin that encases the nail and provides structure and protection to the nail as it grows. This area is important because it helps to keep the nail in place and can also play a role in preventing infection by forming a barrier against foreign materials.

The matrix is the tissue located beneath the base of the nail, where new nail cells are produced, while the hyponychium is the area of skin located underneath the tip of the nail. The nail bed refers to the skin beneath the nail plate that supports the nail as it grows. While all these terms are related to the anatomy of the nail, the nail fold specifically refers to the skin surrounding the nail plate, making it the most accurate choice in this context.