What is the term for the living tissue that grows up the base of the nail plate?

The term for the living tissue that grows up the base of the nail plate is referred to as the eponychium. The eponychium serves as a protective barrier that covers the matrix, which is the area of active nail growth. It is important because it helps prevent pathogens from entering beneath the nail plate and protects the delicate underlying structures of the nail.

Understanding the role of the eponychium is essential in nail care, as improper manipulation or treatment of this area can lead to infections or damage to the nail. The eponychium is distinct from other structures associated with the nail, such as the cuticle, which is the dead skin that lies at the base of the nail, and the hyponychium, which is the skin located beneath the free edge of the nail plate. The nail bed, on the other hand, is the skin underneath the nail plate that helps support the nail.