Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

Which is correct about the structure of the nail plate?

1. It begins where the nail matrix ends

2. It is primarily composed of living tissue

3. It is located beneath the lunula

4. It is continuous with the nail bed

The correct answer is: It begins where the nail matrix ends

The structure of the nail plate indeed begins where the nail matrix ends. The nail plate forms a hard, protective covering that is made up of layers of keratinized cells produced by the nail matrix, which is the area where new nail cells are generated. As these cells multiply and mature, they harden and push the existing nail plate forward, creating the visible part of the nail. The transition from the soft tissue of the nail matrix to the hardened plate occurs at this juncture, marking the beginning of the nail plate. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the structure of the nail plate. The nail plate itself is not primarily composed of living tissue; it consists mainly of keratin, which is a tough and non-living protein. While the nail bed is indeed important to nail health, the nail plate is not located beneath the lunula, but rather, the lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix that appears as a whitish crescent at the base of the nail. Furthermore, although the nail plate is closely associated with the nail bed, it does not extend continuously through it, as the nail bed supports the nail plate but does not form part of its structure itself.