Chapter 9. Nail Structure And Growth

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Nail Quizzes & Trivia

Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    A normal, healthy nail:

    • A.

      Is completelt inflexible

    • B.

      Has a spotted surface

    • C.

      Is shiny

    • D.

      Is white and opaque

    Correct Answer
    C. Is shiny
    Explanation
    A normal, healthy nail is shiny because the surface of the nail is smooth and reflects light. This is a characteristic of a well-maintained nail that is not damaged or affected by any underlying health conditions. The shine indicates that the nail is properly hydrated and has a good blood supply, which contributes to its overall health.

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  • 2. 

    The portion of the living skin on which the nail plate sits is called the:

    • A.

      Nail bed

    • B.

      Cuticle

    • C.

      Matrix

    • D.

      Ligament

    Correct Answer
    A. Nail bed
    Explanation
    The portion of the living skin on which the nail plate sits is called the nail bed. The nail bed is responsible for providing nourishment and support to the nail plate. It is located underneath the nail plate and is rich in blood vessels, which gives the nails their pinkish color. The nail bed is an important part of the nail structure and plays a role in the growth and health of the nails.

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  • 3. 

    The__________is the whitish, half-moon shape at the base of the nail. 

    • A.

      Sidewall

    • B.

      Lunula

    • C.

      Root

    • D.

      Free edge

    Correct Answer
    B. Lunula
    Explanation
    The lunula is the whitish, half-moon shape at the base of the nail.

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  • 4. 

    The part of the nail plate that extends over the tip of the finger or toe is the:

    • A.

      Free edge

    • B.

      Matrix

    • C.

      Bed epithelium

    • D.

      Sidewall

    Correct Answer
    A. Free edge
    Explanation
    The free edge refers to the part of the nail plate that extends beyond the fingertip or toe. It is the visible part of the nail that is trimmed and shaped. The matrix is the area at the base of the nail where new cells are produced, the bed epithelium refers to the skin underneath the nail plate, and the sidewall refers to the skin on the sides of the nail. Therefore, the correct answer is free edge.

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  • 5. 

    A ___________is a tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds an organ in place. 

    • A.

      Muscle

    • B.

      Ligament

    • C.

      Tendon

    • D.

      Nerve

    Correct Answer
    B. Ligament
    Explanation
    A ligament is a tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds an organ in place. Unlike muscles, which are responsible for movement, ligaments provide stability and support to joints by connecting bones together. They are flexible but strong, allowing for movement while preventing excessive or abnormal joint motion. Ligaments are commonly found in joints such as the knee, ankle, and wrist, where they help to maintain proper alignment and prevent dislocation or injury.

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  • 6. 

    The ____________ is the fold of skin overlapping the side of the nail.

    • A.

      Eponychium

    • B.

      Hyponnychium

    • C.

      Nail groove

    • D.

      Sidewall

    Correct Answer
    D. Sidewall
    Explanation
    The sidewall is the fold of skin that overlaps the side of the nail.

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  • 7. 

    After an injury, infection, or disease, the natural nail will return to its healthy growth as long as the __________ is healthy and undamaged.

    • A.

      Lateral nail fold

    • B.

      Lunula

    • C.

      Matrix

    • D.

      Nail plate

    Correct Answer
    C. Matrix
    Explanation
    The matrix is responsible for producing new cells that make up the nail plate. After an injury, infection, or disease, the matrix needs to be healthy and undamaged for the natural nail to grow back in a healthy manner. It is the area where the nail growth originates from, so if it is damaged or unhealthy, it can affect the growth and appearance of the nail.

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  • 8. 

    Replacement of the natural fingernail usually takes about: 

    • A.

      6-8months

    • B.

      4-6 months

    • C.

      4-8 weeks

    • D.

      2-8 months

    Correct Answer
    B. 4-6 months
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 4-6 months. This is because the natural fingernail takes approximately 4-6 months to fully grow and replace itself. During this time, the old nail gradually grows out and is replaced by a new one.

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  • 9. 

    The finger nail on the ___________typically grows slowest.

    • A.

      Thumb

    • B.

      Middle finger

    • C.

      Pinkie finger

    • D.

      Index finger

    Correct Answer
    A. Thumb
    Explanation
    The thumb typically has the slowest growth rate compared to the other fingers. This is because the thumb has a smaller nail bed and receives less blood flow, resulting in slower nail growth.

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  • 10. 

    The nail has a water content between:

    • A.

      10 and 15 percent

    • B.

      1 and 5 percent

    • C.

      20 and 45 percent

    • D.

      15 and 25 percent

    Correct Answer
    D. 15 and 25 percent
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 15 and 25 percent. This range is likely because nails are made of keratin, a protein that contains water. The water content in nails can vary depending on factors like hydration levels and environmental conditions. The range of 15 to 25 percent seems reasonable as it suggests a moderate level of water content in the nails.

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  • 11. 

    The natural nail is an appendage of the: 

    • A.

      Dermis

    • B.

      Epidermis

    • C.

      Skin

    • D.

      Skeleton

    Correct Answer
    C. Skin
    Explanation
    The natural nail is an appendage of the skin because it grows from the nail matrix, which is located under the skin at the base of the nail. The nail matrix produces new cells that form the nail plate, and these cells push forward as the nail grows. Therefore, the nail is considered part of the skin and is connected to it.

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  • 12. 

    The appearance of the nails can reflect the general health of the: 

    • A.

      Body

    • B.

      Skin

    • C.

      Muscular system

    • D.

      Skeletal system

    Correct Answer
    A. Body
    Explanation
    The appearance of the nails can reflect the general health of the body. Nails can provide important clues about a person's overall health, such as nutritional deficiencies, infections, or underlying medical conditions. Changes in nail color, texture, shape, or thickness can indicate various health issues. For example, pale or yellowish nails may indicate anemia or liver problems, while brittle or ridged nails may be a sign of thyroid disease or psoriasis. Therefore, paying attention to the condition of the nails can provide valuable insights into a person's overall well-being.

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  • 13. 

    The __________ is relatively porous and will allow water to pass through.

    • A.

      Nail bed

    • B.

      Matrix

    • C.

      Nail plate

    • D.

      Eponychium

    Correct Answer
    C. Nail plate
    Explanation
    The nail plate is the hard, translucent part of the nail that covers the nail bed. It is composed of densely packed keratin cells and is relatively porous, allowing water to pass through.

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  • 14. 

    The matrix contains:

    • A.

      Lymph and blood vessels

    • B.

      Nerves, lymph, and blood vessels

    • C.

      Water and blood vessels

    • D.

      Water, lymph, and blood vessels

    Correct Answer
    B. Nerves, lymph, and blood vessels
    Explanation
    The matrix refers to the extracellular material that fills the spaces between cells in tissues. In this case, the matrix contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. This suggests that the tissue in question is a complex one, likely found in organs or structures that require a rich supply of blood, lymph, and innervation. The presence of nerves indicates that the tissue is capable of transmitting signals, while the lymph and blood vessels suggest that it is involved in the transport of fluids and nutrients.

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  • 15. 

    Tissue that adheres directly to the natural nail plate but which can be easily removed with gentle scraping is:

    • A.

      Ligament

    • B.

      Hyponychium

    • C.

      Eponychium

    • D.

      Cuticle

    Correct Answer
    D. Cuticle
    Explanation
    The cuticle is a tissue that adheres directly to the natural nail plate but can be easily removed with gentle scraping. It is a thin layer of dead skin cells that protects the nail matrix and helps to seal the area between the nail plate and the surrounding skin. The cuticle can become dry and overgrown, leading to hangnails and other nail problems. Regular maintenance and moisturizing can help keep the cuticle healthy and prevent damage to the nail plate.

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  • 16. 

    Cosmetologists are allowed to ___________ the eponychium.

    • A.

      Cut

    • B.

      Trim

    • C.

      Push back

    • D.

      File

    Correct Answer
    C. Push back
    Explanation
    Cosmetologists are allowed to push back the eponychium. The eponychium is the thin layer of skin at the base of the nail, commonly known as the cuticle. Pushing back the eponychium involves gently pushing it towards the nail bed to promote healthy nail growth and to create a clean and neat appearance. Cutting or trimming the eponychium can cause damage or infection, and filing is not typically done on the eponychium.

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  • 17. 

    Cuticle moisturizes, softeners, and conditioners are not designed to treat the:

    • A.

      Cuticle

    • B.

      Nail plate

    • C.

      Sidewall

    • D.

      Hyponychium

    Correct Answer
    A. Cuticle
    Explanation
    Cuticle moisturizers, softeners, and conditioners are not designed to treat the cuticle. The cuticle is the layer of dead skin that covers the base of the nail. These products are typically used to moisturize and soften the nail plate, which is the hard surface of the nail, and the sidewall, which is the skin on the sides of the nail. They are also not designed to treat the hyponychium, which is the area of skin under the free edge of the nail.

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  • 18. 

    Toenails are thicker and harder then fingernails because the _________ of the toenail is longer than that of the fingernail.

    • A.

      Nail bed

    • B.

      Matrix

    • C.

      Lunula

    • D.

      Eponychium

    Correct Answer
    B. Matrix
    Explanation
    Toenails are thicker and harder than fingernails because the matrix of the toenail is longer than that of the fingernail. The matrix is the area at the base of the nail where new cells are produced, and these cells contribute to the thickness and hardness of the nail. Since the matrix of the toenail is longer, it produces more cells, resulting in a thicker and harder toenail compared to the fingernail.

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  • 19. 

    Unlike healthy hair, healthy nails are not __________ periodically.

    • A.

      Cut

    • B.

      Cleaned

    • C.

      Shed

    • D.

      Maintained

    Correct Answer
    C. Shed
    Explanation
    Unlike healthy hair, healthy nails are not shed periodically. Nails grow continuously and do not naturally shed like hair does. Instead, nails need to be maintained by trimming and filing regularly to keep them healthy and prevent them from becoming too long or breaking. Therefore, the correct answer is "Shed".

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  • 20. 

    It takes about __________ for toenails to be fully replaced. 

    • A.

      3-6 months

    • B.

      6-9 months

    • C.

      9 months to 1 year

    • D.

      1 year to 15 months

    Correct Answer
    C. 9 months to 1 year
    Explanation
    Toenails take a significant amount of time to be fully replaced, usually ranging from 9 months to 1 year. This process involves the growth of a new nail from the base of the nail bed, gradually pushing out the old nail. The rate of toenail growth can vary depending on factors such as age, health, and individual differences. However, on average, it takes around 9 months to 1 year for a toenail to completely grow out and be replaced.

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  • 21. 

    The living skin at the base of the natural nail plate that covers the matrix area is the: 

    • A.

      Eponychium

    • B.

      Hyponychium

    • C.

      Cuticle

    • D.

      Lunula

    Correct Answer
    A. Eponychium
    Explanation
    The eponychium is the living skin at the base of the natural nail plate that covers the matrix area. It acts as a protective barrier and helps to prevent bacteria and other harmful substances from entering the nail bed. It is often referred to as the "cuticle," although technically the cuticle is the dead, non-living tissue that overlaps the eponychium. The hyponychium is the skin underneath the free edge of the nail, and the lunula is the white, crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail.

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  • 22. 

    The thin layer of tissue between the nail plate and the nail bed is the: 

    • A.

      Bed eponychium

    • B.

      Bed epithelium

    • C.

      Lateral nail fold

    • D.

      Onyx

    Correct Answer
    B. Bed epithelium
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Bed epithelium." The bed epithelium refers to the thin layer of tissue that lies between the nail plate and the nail bed. It is responsible for nourishing and supporting the growth of the nail plate. The eponychium refers to the cuticle, the lateral nail fold is the skin on the sides of the nail, and onyx refers to the nail itself. Therefore, the most accurate option is bed epithelium.

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  • 23. 

    The slightly thickened layer of skin that lies between the fingertip and free edge of the natural nail plate is the: 

    • A.

      Epithelium

    • B.

      Eponychium

    • C.

      Sidewall

    • D.

      Hyponychium

    Correct Answer
    D. Hyponychium
    Explanation
    The hyponychium is the slightly thickened layer of skin that lies between the fingertip and the free edge of the natural nail plate. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing debris and bacteria from entering the nail bed.

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  • 24. 

    The dead, colorless tissue attached to the natural nail plate is known as the: 

    • A.

      Nail bed

    • B.

      Nail fold

    • C.

      Nail groove

    • D.

      Nail cuticle

    Correct Answer
    D. Nail cuticle
    Explanation
    The dead, colorless tissue attached to the natural nail plate is known as the nail cuticle. The nail cuticle is a thin layer of skin that forms a protective barrier between the nail matrix and the environment. It helps to prevent bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens from entering the nail bed and causing infection. Additionally, the nail cuticle also helps to keep the nail plate moisturized and healthy.

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  • 25. 

    The __________ is the area where the nail plate cells are formed.​

    • A.

      Cuticle

    • B.

      Lunula

    • C.

      Matrix

    • D.

      Free edge

    Correct Answer
    C. Matrix
    Explanation
    The matrix is the area where the nail plate cells are formed. It is located at the base of the nail, underneath the cuticle. The matrix contains specialized cells that divide and multiply, contributing to the growth of the nail plate. These cells produce keratin, which is the main component of the nail. The matrix is responsible for the thickness, shape, and overall health of the nail.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 28, 2017
    Quiz Created by
    Ashley
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