Practice Test Geeks(MNT) Certified Medical Nail Technician Practice Test
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Nail Anatomy and Pathology Flashcards

6 cards from real MNT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Nail Anatomy and Pathology flashcards as text

  1. What is the name of the crescent-shaped white area at the base of the nail plate?

    Answer: Lunula

    The lunula is the visible portion of the nail matrix that appears as a white crescent at the proximal nail plate base.

  2. Which structure produces the nail plate?

    Answer: Nail matrix

    The nail matrix contains the germinal cells responsible for nail plate production; damage to the matrix can result in permanent nail deformity.

  3. Onychogryphosis is characterized by:

    Answer: Extreme nail thickening and curved, claw-like deformity

    Onychogryphosis (ram's horn nail) involves marked thickening and distorted curvature of the nail plate, typically affecting the great toenail in elderly patients.

  4. Beau's lines are best described as:

    Answer: Transverse grooves across the nail plate indicating a prior systemic illness or trauma

    Beau's lines are transverse depressions caused by temporary arrest of nail matrix cell division during systemic illness, malnutrition, or major stress.

  5. The hyponychium is located:

    Answer: At the distal end where the nail plate separates from the nail bed

    The hyponychium is the epithelial seal at the distal free edge of the nail, forming a barrier against pathogen entry between the nail plate and nail bed.

  6. Koilonychia refers to nails that are:

    Answer: Spoon-shaped with raised edges (concave), associated with iron deficiency anemia

    Koilonychia presents as spoon-shaped (concave) nails, classically associated with iron deficiency anemia and hemochromatosis.

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Sources & references

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  1. nailcareacademy.com — Fees, eligibility, score release, test delivery, exam format, passing score, time limit, exam information · verified Oct 2026