The next and the most important anatomy that needs to be in the knowledge of a therapist doing the manicure and pedicure treatment is the anatomy of a “nail”.
Fingernails and toenails, which are made of protein and are a form of modified hair, are composed of:
• The nail matrix or the root of the nail – this is the growing part of the nail still under the skin at the nail’s proximal end
• The eponychium or cuticle, which is the fold of skin at the proximal end of the nail
• The paronychium, which is the fold of skin on the sides of the nail
• The hyponychium, which is the attachment between the skin of the finger or toe and the distal end of the nail
• The nail plate, which is what we think of when we say nail- the hard and translucent portion, composed of keratin
• The nail bed, which is the adherent connective tissue that underlies the nail
• The lunula, which is the crescent shaped whitish area of the nail bed
There are two purposes of human fingernails. Firstly, they help protect the sensitive skin underneath the nail. Secondly they serve to help us grip and scratch. If you were to tape over your fingernails and try to carry on with your normal day, you would find it difficult, if not impossible, to grip many things. Nails can also dry out, just like skin.
A manicure or pedicure treatment is considered as a health and cosmetic procedure to groom, trim, paint the nails and manage calluses. When a therapist asks clients to show their nail, they will probably show the nail plate. However, below clearly indicates that the nail plate is only one of the many parts that make up the nail. Each part has a specific function which contributes to the normal growth, health and appearance of the nail.
The table below outlines the function of each part of the nail unit.
| Part of Nail Unit | Description |
| Nail plate | The part of the nail that you see. It is made of keratin (dead) cells. The pink appearance of the nail comes from the blood vessels underneath the nail. |
| Nail bed | The skin upon which the nail plate rests |
| Matrix | Situated directly below the cuticle. Its main function is to produce cells that become the nail plate. If the matrix is damaged the nail will become deformed. |
| Lunula | The whitish, half-moon shape at the base of the nail. It can best be seen in the thumb. |
| Cuticle | An outgrowth of skin cells that adhere to the nail plate. It protects the nail bed. |
| Hyponychium | The area between the nail plate and the fingertip. |
| Nail fold | Folds of skin that overlap the sides of the nail. It holds the nail in place and protects the edges of the nail plate. |
| Nail grooves | Tracks on which the nail grows. |
| Free edge | The area of the nail plate which extends over the finger. |
