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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Think You Know Nail Structure & Growth? Take Our Chapter 9 Quiz!

Ready to tackle Milady CH 9? Discover which nail grows the slowest and more in this quiz!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Chapter 9 Nail Structure and Growth quiz on a sky blue background

Use this Chapter 9 Nail Structure & Growth quiz to practice nail anatomy, including the natural nail and which nail grows the slowest. You'll get instant feedback to spot gaps before the exam. For a quick refresher, read about the nail growth area and skim Chapter 8 notes .

What is the visible part of the nail called?
Nail plate
Nail matrix
Eponychium
Nail bed
The nail plate is the hard, translucent portion of the nail that is visible and sits on the nail bed. It consists of layers of keratinized cells produced by the matrix. The matrix is hidden under the skin and is not visible, while the eponychium is the skin fold at the nail's base.
Which part of the nail is primarily responsible for nail growth?
Nail matrix
Nail plate
Hyponychium
Lunula
The nail matrix contains germinal cells that divide and produce the nail plate. Damage to the matrix can cause permanent nail deformities. The lunula is simply the visible part of the matrix, while the hyponychium is tissue under the free edge.
What is the half-moon shape at the base of the nail called?
Cuticle
Hyponychium
Eponychium
Lunula
The lunula is the visible portion of the distal matrix and appears as a white, half-moon shape. It represents the area where new nail cells form and harden. The eponychium and cuticle are skin folds, while the hyponychium lies under the nail's free edge.
What is the term for the skin overlapping the nail plate at its base?
Hyponychium
Eponychium
Onycholysis
Perionychium
The eponychium is the living skin at the base of the nail plate that protects the matrix from bacteria. It is often mistaken for the cuticle, which is actually the dead tissue on top of the nail plate. The hyponychium is located under the free edge.
The nail plate is primarily composed of which protein?
Collagen
Melanin
Elastin
Keratin
Nail plates are made of layers of hard keratin, a fibrous structural protein. Keratin gives the nail its strength and hardness. Collagen and elastin are found in skin, while melanin provides pigment but is not a major nail component.
Which area of the nail supplies blood and nutrients to the growing nail?
Nail bed
Lunula
Nail matrix
Perionychium
The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate that contains a rich blood supply to nourish the plate. While the matrix produces new nail cells, it does not provide the blood vessels; that function belongs to the bed. The lunula is just the visible part of the matrix.
True or False: Fingernails grow faster than toenails.
False
True
Fingernails grow on average about 3 mm per month, whereas toenails grow approximately 1.5 mm per month. Growth rates differ due to blood flow, trauma, and use of the digits. Seasonal changes also affect speed, but overall fingernails consistently outpace toenails.
Which nail typically grows the slowest?
Thumb nail
Middle finger nail
Index finger nail
Big toe nail
The big toenail has the slowest growth rate among the nails, often due to reduced blood supply and trauma from footwear. Finger nails, especially the middle and index, grow much faster because of greater blood flow and use. Growth can also vary by age and season.
What is onychocryptosis?
Nail fungus
Nail pitting
Nail separation
Ingrown nail
Onychocryptosis is the medical term for an ingrown nail, where the nail plate grows into the surrounding skin. It commonly affects the great toe and can lead to infection and inflammation. Treatment may involve trimming or surgical correction.
The area of the nail matrix that is visible under the nail plate is called the:
Hyponychium
Lunula
Nail bed
Eponychium
The lunula is the visible part of the distal matrix and appears white due to the thickened underlying matrix cells. It is most visible on the thumb and may be absent or small on other digits. It does not contribute significantly to the nail's strength.
What does onycholysis describe?
Pseudomonas bacterial infection
Fungal infection of the nail
Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed
Overgrowth of the cuticle
Onycholysis is the painless separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, often starting at the distal edge. It can result from trauma, psoriasis, infection, or chemical exposure. The gap may become discolored if debris accumulates.
What is the hyponychium?
The skin under the free edge of the nail
The buried portion of the nail root
The sides of the nail fold
The area around the cuticle
The hyponychium is the thickened epidermis under the free edge of the nail plate. It acts as a barrier against infection by sealing the space between the nail plate and fingertip. Damage or disease can disrupt this seal and lead to debris collection.
Nail growth is typically slowest during which season?
Winter
Summer
Puberty
Pregnancy
Studies show that nails grow more slowly in cold weather due to reduced circulation. Growth rates increase during warmer months when blood flow to the digits is enhanced. Hormonal changes in puberty and pregnancy can affect nail growth but not as predictably as seasonal shifts.
On average, fingernails grow approximately how much per month?
1/16 inch
1/2 inch
1/8 inch
1/4 inch
The typical growth rate for fingernails is about 3 mm per month, which is close to 1/8 inch. Factors such as age, nutrition, and season can modify this rate. Toenails usually grow about half as fast.
Which vitamin is most commonly associated with strong nail growth?
Vitamin A
Biotin
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Biotin (vitamin B7) plays a key role in keratin infrastructure and is often recommended to improve nail strength and growth. Deficiency can lead to brittle nails. Other vitamins support general health but are not as directly linked to nail production.
True or False: The lateral nail folds contribute to nail plate growth.
True
False
The lateral nail folds protect and support the nail plate but do not produce nail cells. Growth is solely derived from the matrix. The folds serve as a seal against pathogens rather than a source of keratinocytes.
Which nail pathology involves longitudinal ridging and grooves?
Onychorrhexis
Onycholysis
Onychomycosis
Onychia
Onychorrhexis describes brittle nails with longitudinal fissures or ridges. It can occur due to trauma, aging, or systemic conditions. This differs from onycholysis (separation) and onychomycosis (fungal infection).
What is onychogryphosis?
Inflammation around the nail fold
Overgrowth of the cuticle
Spoon-shaped nails
Deformed and thickened (ram's horn) nails
Onychogryphosis, or ram's horn nail, is a hypertrophy and curvature disorder leading to thick, uneven nails. It commonly affects the elderly and those with poor foot care. It is distinct from koilonychia (spoon nails) and paronychia (fold inflammation).
Approximately how much faster do fingernails grow in summer compared to winter?
75%
25%
50%
10%
Research indicates that fingernails can grow about 25 - 30% faster in warmer months due to increased circulation and metabolism. This seasonal variation is more pronounced in areas with distinct temperature changes. Individual factors like age and health can also influence the percentage.
What does the term 'pterygium' refer to in nail anatomy?
Lifting of the nail plate from the bed
Fungal infection beneath the nail
Forward growth of cuticle onto the nail plate
Excessive curvature of the nail plate
Nail pterygium occurs when the proximal fold's skin extends onto the nail plate, often due to trauma, lichen planus, or chemical damage. This obliterates the eponychium and can impair nail growth. It is different from onycholysis or pincer nails.
How does the eponychium differ from the cuticle?
The eponychium is living tissue, whereas the cuticle is dead keratin
The eponychium is part of the nail plate
The eponychium is a type of fungal infection
The eponychium is dead, the cuticle is living
The eponychium is a live layer of skin at the nail base that protects the matrix. The cuticle is composed of dead tissue that lies on top of the nail plate. Improper removal of the eponychium can lead to infection or inflammation.
What is the average daily nail growth rate in adults?
0.2 mm per day
0.5 mm per day
0.05 mm per day
0.1 mm per day
Adult fingernails grow at an average rate of about 0.1 mm per day. Growth can be influenced by age, health, nutrition, and season. Toenails typically grow at roughly half this rate.
Which area is heavily keratinized and acts as a seal under the free edge of the nail?
Hyponychium
Nail matrix
Lunula
Eponychium
The hyponychium is the thickened layer of skin under the free edge of the nail plate, serving as a barrier against pathogens. It prevents debris from entering the nail bed. Damage to this area can lead to infections or onycholysis.
Approximately what percentage of nail cells consist of keratin protein?
10-20%
50-60%
80-85%
95-100%
Nails are composed of about 80 - 85% keratin protein, which provides strength and resilience. The remaining composition includes water and lipids. High keratin content is what makes nails harder than typical skin.
Which factor most significantly influences the overall rate of nail growth?
Age
Nail shape
Nail thickness
Nail color
Age is a primary determinant of nail growth, with younger individuals typically experiencing faster growth. Growth rates gradually decline with advancing age. While nutrition, health, and environment also play roles, age exerts the greatest influence.
What does the term 'perionychium' refer to?
The tissue surrounding the nail plate
The underside of the free edge
The distal edge of the matrix
The buried portion of the nail root
The perionychium is the collective term for the soft tissues that surround the nail plate, including the proximal and lateral folds. It provides protection and supports nail health. Damage to this area can affect nail growth and shape.
Which term describes nails that grow into the adjacent skin due to excessive transverse curvature?
Clubbing
Onychauxis
Koilonychia
Pincer nail
Pincer nails are characterized by excessive transverse curvature that pinches the nail bed and may grow into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, inflammation, and risk of infection. Treatment often involves corrective trimming or surgery.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify the Technical Term for the Natural Nail -

    Understand and recall the precise anatomical name for the natural nail plate as covered in Chapter 9.

  2. Distinguish Key Nail Structures -

    Recognize and describe the major components of nail anatomy, including the matrix, bed, cuticle, and lunula.

  3. Compare Fingernail and Toenail Growth Rates -

    Analyze differences in growth speed between fingernails and toenails and explain the biological reasons for these variations.

  4. Determine Which Nail Grows the Slowest -

    Apply your knowledge to identify the slowest-growing digit and understand contributing factors from the quiz content.

  5. Analyze Factors Affecting Nail Growth -

    Evaluate external and internal influences - such as nutrition, age, and health - on the rate of nail development.

  6. Recall Milady Ch 9 Concepts -

    Reinforce and test your mastery of Milady Chapter 9 terminology and principles through targeted quiz questions.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Technical Term: Onyx (Natural Nail) -

    The natural nail is technically called the onyx or unguis, a term sourced from Greek meaning "claw." According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using the word "onyx" helps you remember the formal name. Try the mnemonic "Onyx = Official Nail eXpert" to lock it in.

  2. Anatomy of the Nail Unit -

    The nail unit comprises the nail plate, nail bed, matrix, eponychium, and hyponychium, each with distinct roles in growth and protection. As described in Milady's standard cosmetology text, the matrix produces new nail cells that harden and form the plate. Use the acronym "P-B-M-E-H" (Plate, Bed, Matrix, Eponychium, Hyponychium) to recall all parts.

  3. Growth Rates: Fingers vs. Toes -

    Fingernails grow on average 3 mm per month while toenails grow only about 1 mm, making the big toe the slowest growing nail. Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology confirms these measurements under normal conditions. Remember "3-1 rule" to compare fingernail and toenail growth rates instantly.

  4. Factors Affecting Nail Growth -

    Nutrition, age, health status, and seasonality all influence nail growth, with protein intake and warm weather accelerating cell division in the matrix. A study from the British Journal of Dermatology notes that younger individuals and summer months yield faster nail elongation. Think "P.A.S.S." - Protein, Age, Season, Stress - to recall key growth influencers.

  5. Primary Functions of the Nail -

    Nails protect the distal phalanx, enhance fine touch sensitivity, and assist in scratching or grasping small objects. The National Institutes of Health emphasizes that the keratin-rich plate acts as a shield against injury and infection. Visualize your nail as a built-in guard reinforcing your fingertips for everyday tasks.

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