What is the visible portion of the nail called?

The visible portion of the nail is referred to as the body. This is the main part of the nail that extends from the nail base to the tip and is visible on the fingertip or toe. The body is composed of keratin, a protein that provides strength and resilience to the nail.

Understanding the structure of the nail is essential because it connects to different components that have specific functions. For example, the matrix, which is the tissue located beneath the base of the nail, is responsible for producing new cells that help form the body of the nail. The cuticle is the layer of skin at the base of the nail that protects the matrix. The free edge is the part of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip, which is also visible but not the main surface that is referred to when discussing "the visible portion of the nail." Each of these parts plays a crucial role, but the body is the primary area of the nail we refer to as visible.