Chapter 9 Nail Structure And Growth
Over the years, we’ve grown to accept the biological processes of our bodies without putting much thought into them, but once you start to look into it, you’ll find that it’s quite satisfying to get to know your body and how it works. A good place to start is with your fingernails and toenails! How do they continue to grow at all times and why? What are the individual parts called? Find out in this quiz!
- 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 shinyExplanation
A normal, healthy nail is shiny because it is smooth and reflects light. The shiny appearance indicates that the nail surface is intact and free from any abnormalities or damage. It is a characteristic of a well-maintained nail that is properly hydrated and has a healthy cuticle.Rate this question:
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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 bedExplanation
The portion of the living skin on which the nail plate sits is called the nail bed. This is where the nail plate attaches and grows from. The nail bed is rich in blood vessels, which gives the nail its pinkish color. It is important for the health and growth of the nail.Rate this question:
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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. LunulaExplanation
The correct answer is "lunula". The lunula is the whitish, half-moon shape at the base of the nail. It is a visible part of the nail matrix and represents the area where new nail cells are formed. The lunula can vary in size and visibility from person to person, and it is often more noticeable on the thumb and big toe nails.Rate this question:
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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 edgeExplanation
The correct answer is the free edge. The free edge refers to the part of the nail plate that extends beyond the tip of the finger or toe. It is the part that is typically trimmed and shaped during a manicure or pedicure. The matrix refers to the area at the base of the nail where new nail cells are produced, while the bed epithelium refers to the skin beneath the nail plate. The sidewall refers to the sides of the nail plate.Rate this question:
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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. LigamentExplanation
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. Tendons, on the other hand, connect muscles to bones, allowing for movement and transmitting the force generated by muscles to the bones. Nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and different parts of the body, and they do not connect bones or hold organs in place.Rate this question:
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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. SidewallExplanation
The sidewall is the correct answer because it refers to the fold of skin that overlaps the side of the nail. This is the area where the skin meets the nail and forms a protective barrier. The eponychium refers to the cuticle, the hyponychium refers to the skin beneath the free edge of the nail, and the nail groove refers to the indentation on the side of the nail where it meets the skin.Rate this question:
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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. MatrixExplanation
The matrix is responsible for producing cells that form the nail plate. After an injury, infection, or disease, the natural nail can return to its healthy growth as long as the matrix is healthy and undamaged. The matrix is located at the base of the nail and plays a crucial role in the growth and health of the nail.Rate this question:
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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 monthsExplanation
The replacement of a natural fingernail usually takes about 4-6 months. This is because fingernails grow at a rate of about 0.1 millimeters per day, or approximately 3 millimeters per month. Therefore, it takes around 4-6 months for a new fingernail to completely replace the old one.Rate this question:
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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. ThumbExplanation
The thumb typically grows the slowest among the fingers. This is because the thumb has a shorter nail bed compared to the other fingers, resulting in slower nail growth. The nail bed is the area beneath the nail where new cells are produced, and the rate of cell production determines the speed of nail growth.Rate this question:
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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 percentExplanation
The correct answer is 15 and 25 percent because nails typically have a water content within this range. This moisture content is important because it affects the strength and durability of the nail. If the water content is too low, the nail may become brittle and prone to breaking. On the other hand, if the water content is too high, the nail may become weak and prone to corrosion. Therefore, maintaining a moisture content between 15 and 25 percent is crucial for the optimal performance of the nail.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The natural nail is an appendage of the
- A.
Dermis
- B.
Epidermis
- C.
Skin
- D.
Skeleton
Correct Answer
C. SkinExplanation
The natural nail is an appendage of the skin. Nails are formed by specialized cells in the nail matrix, which is located beneath the proximal end of the nail plate. The nail plate itself is made up of layers of keratinized cells that are produced by the nail matrix. The nail bed, which is the skin underneath the nail plate, provides support and nourishment to the growing nail. Therefore, the natural nail is considered a part of the skin.Rate this question:
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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. BodyExplanation
The appearance of the nails can reflect the general health of the body because nails can provide important clues about a person's overall well-being. Changes in nail color, texture, or shape can indicate various health conditions such as nutrient deficiencies, infections, or underlying diseases. Therefore, by examining the nails, healthcare professionals can assess a person's overall health and identify any potential issues that may require further investigation or treatment.Rate this question:
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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 plateExplanation
The nail plate is relatively porous and will allow water to pass through. The nail plate is the hard, protective covering of the nail that is composed of layers of keratin. It is the visible part of the nail and is responsible for its strength and durability. The porous nature of the nail plate allows water to penetrate it, which is important for keeping the nail hydrated and preventing it from becoming dry and brittle.Rate this question:
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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 vesselsExplanation
The matrix refers to the extracellular material that surrounds cells in a tissue. In this case, the matrix contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels, indicating that these structures are present within the tissue.Rate this question:
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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. CuticleExplanation
The cuticle is the 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. Removing the cuticle is a common practice in nail care to improve the appearance of the nails and allow for better application of nail polish or treatments.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Cosmetologists are allowed to___the eponychium
- A.
Cut
- B.
Trim
- C.
Push back
- D.
File
Correct Answer
C. Push backExplanation
Cosmetologists are allowed to push back the eponychium. The eponychium is the thin layer of skin that covers the base of the nail. Pushing back the eponychium is a common practice in nail care as it helps to expose the nail bed and promote healthy nail growth. Cutting or trimming the eponychium is not recommended as it can cause injury or infection. Filing the eponychium is also not necessary or recommended.Rate this question:
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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
D. HyponychiumExplanation
The hyponychium is the area of skin located beneath the free edge of the nail. It acts as a protective barrier between the nail bed and the environment. Cuticle moisturizers, softeners, and conditioners are not designed to treat the hyponychium specifically, as their main purpose is to nourish and hydrate the cuticle area and the nail plate. Therefore, the correct answer is hyponychium.Rate this question:
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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. MatrixExplanation
The matrix is responsible for producing the cells that form the nail plate. Since the matrix of the toenail is longer than that of the fingernail, it produces more cells and therefore results in a thicker and harder toenail compared to the fingernail.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Unlike healthy hair, healthy nails are not ____periodically
- A.
Cut
- B.
Cleaned
- C.
Shed
- D.
Maintained
Correct Answer
C. ShedExplanation
Unlike healthy hair, healthy nails do not shed periodically. Hair naturally sheds and regrows, while nails grow continuously without shedding. Cutting, cleaning, and maintaining nails are necessary for their health and appearance, but shedding is not a characteristic of healthy nails.Rate this question:
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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 yearExplanation
Toenails take a significant amount of time to be fully replaced. The answer "9 months to 1 year" suggests that it takes approximately this duration for a toenail to grow completely. This timeframe allows for the old nail to gradually detach and a new one to grow in its place. It is important to note that individual variations and factors like overall health, age, and nail care practices can influence the exact time it takes for toenails to be fully replaced.Rate this question:
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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. EponychiumExplanation
The eponychium is the correct answer because it refers to the living skin at the base of the natural nail plate that covers the matrix area. The eponychium is also known as the "cuticle" and its main function is to protect the matrix and the newly formed nail plate. It acts as a barrier against bacteria and other harmful substances, preventing infections and promoting healthy nail growth.Rate this question:
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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 epitheliumExplanation
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 providing nutrients and support to 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 technical term for the nail itself. Therefore, the most accurate answer is bed epithelium.Rate this question:
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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. HyponychiumExplanation
The hyponychium is the slightly thickened layer of skin that lies between the fingertip and the free edge of the natural nail plate. It serves as a protective barrier and helps to seal the nail bed.Rate this question:
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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 cuticleExplanation
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 protects the nail matrix, which is responsible for nail growth. It acts as a barrier, preventing bacteria and other harmful substances from entering the nail bed. It also helps to keep the nail plate moisturized and healthy.Rate this question:
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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. MatrixExplanation
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 is responsible for producing new cells that make up the nail plate, which is the visible part of the nail. These cells push forward, causing the nail to grow. The matrix is essential for nail growth and the overall health of the nail.Rate this question:
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May 10, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Jun 15, 2012Quiz Created by
Ehang07
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