MNT Nail Anatomy & Pathology — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the nail matrix and what is its function?
- The tissue under the proximal nail fold that produces new nail cells (keratinocytes) for nail growth (Correct answer)
- The visible part of the nail plate
- The skin surrounding the nail
- The blood vessels under the nail
Correct answer: The tissue under the proximal nail fold that produces new nail cells (keratinocytes) for nail growth
The nail matrix is the growth center of the nail, containing rapidly dividing cells that produce keratinocytes which harden into the nail plate as they move distally.
Question 2: What condition is characterized by thickened, discolored nails often caused by fungal infection?
- Onychomycosis (Correct answer)
- Paronychia
- Onycholysis
- Melanonychia
Correct answer: Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail that causes thickening, discoloration (yellow, brown, or white), and brittleness, affecting approximately 10% of the adult population.
Question 3: What is onycholysis?
- Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed (Correct answer)
- Fungal infection of the nail
- Inflammation of the nail fold
- Excessive nail growth
Correct answer: Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed
Onycholysis is the painless separation of the nail from its bed, starting at the distal free edge. Causes include trauma, fungal infection, psoriasis, thyroid disease, and reaction to chemicals.
Question 4: What is the lunula?
- The white, crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail visible through the nail plate (Correct answer)
- The tip of the nail
- The cuticle
- The nail root
Correct answer: The white, crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail visible through the nail plate
The lunula is the visible portion of the nail matrix, appearing as a whitish half-moon shape at the proximal end of the nail. Its white color results from the opacity of the matrix cells.
Question 5: Why must medical nail technicians be able to identify nail melanoma?
- Because nail melanoma can appear as a dark streak and early detection is critical for survival (Correct answer)
- Dark streaks on nails are always harmless
- Melanoma never affects nails
- Nail color changes only result from injury
Correct answer: Because nail melanoma can appear as a dark streak and early detection is critical for survival
Subungual melanoma can present as a brown or black longitudinal streak (melanonychia). Medical nail technicians must recognize warning signs and refer clients for immediate medical evaluation, as early detection saves lives.
Question 6: What is the hyponychium?
- The skin beneath the free edge of the nail that seals the nail bed from external pathogens (Correct answer)
- The top layer of the nail plate
- The cuticle at the base of the nail
- The blood supply to the nail
Correct answer: The skin beneath the free edge of the nail that seals the nail bed from external pathogens
The hyponychium is the thickened skin under the free edge of the nail plate, creating a waterproof seal that protects the nail bed from bacterial and fungal entry.
MNT Nail Anatomy & Pathology
What is the nail matrix and what is its function?