What part of the nail is primarily responsible for its growth?

The nail matrix is the area primarily responsible for the growth of the nail. Located underneath the base of the nail, the matrix contains specialized cells that divide and produce new nail cells. As these new cells form, they push older cells forward, causing the nail to grow longer. The quality and rate of nail growth can be influenced by various factors such as health, nutrition, and overall nail care.

The nail plate, while it is the visible part of the nail that protects the underlying structures, does not contribute to growth itself; it is composed of hardened cells that have already filled with keratin. The nail bed serves as a foundation for the nail plate and helps support it but does not directly impact the growth process. The cuticle, which is the protective layer of skin at the base of the nail, protects the matrix and nail bed from bacteria and injury but does not play a role in growth. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the function of each part of the nail structure and their roles in nail health.