State Board Nail Tech Practice Exam

Onychia is an inflammation of which part of the nail structure?

1. Nail plate

2. Nail bed

3. Nail matrix

4. Nail fold

The correct answer is: Nail matrix

Onychia refers to the inflammation of the nail matrix, which is the area of tissue located under the base of the nail. The nail matrix is crucial because it is responsible for producing new nail cells, which contribute to nail growth. When the nail matrix becomes inflamed, it can disrupt the normal growth of the nail and lead to various issues, including changes in nail shape or color. Understanding the role of the nail matrix helps in recognizing why inflammation there is significant. The other parts of the nail structure - such as the nail plate, nail bed, and nail fold - have different functions and implications when affected by issues. The nail plate is the visible part of the nail, the nail bed supports the nail plate and contains nerve endings and blood vessels, while the nail fold is the skin that surrounds the nail. Inflammation in these areas would be described by different terms related to their specific structures, making the correct identification of onychia critical in both diagnosis and treatment within nail care.