MNT Nail Anatomy & Pathology 2

Question 1

What is paronychia?

Accepted Answer

Infection and inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nail (nail fold)

Answer

Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail (periungual tissue), presenting as redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus. It can be acute (bacterial) or chronic (often candidal).

Question 2

What are Beau's lines?

Accepted Answer

Transverse depressions across the nail plate caused by temporary disruption of nail matrix growth

Answer

Beau's lines are horizontal grooves or depressions in the nail plate resulting from temporary cessation of nail matrix activity, often caused by severe illness, trauma, or chemotherapy.

Question 3

What systemic condition can cause spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia)?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency anemia

Answer

Koilonychia (spoon nails) features concave, upwardly curved nail plates. While it can be normal in infants, in adults it is often associated with iron deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis, or thyroid disorders.

Question 4

What is the nail plate composed of?

Accepted Answer

Hard keratinized protein layers produced by the nail matrix

Answer

The nail plate is made of tightly packed layers of translucent keratin protein (alpha-keratin), the same protein found in hair. Despite common belief, calcium plays a minimal role in nail hardness.

Question 5

What are splinter hemorrhages under the nail?

Accepted Answer

Thin, dark red-brown lines under the nail caused by tiny blood vessel damage in the nail bed

Answer

Splinter hemorrhages are longitudinal thin lines of blood under the nail, caused by damage to small capillaries in the nail bed. While often from trauma, they can indicate endocarditis or vasculitis.

(MNT) Certified Medical Nail Technician Practice Test

(MNT) Certified Medical Nail Technician Practice Test

MNT Nail Anatomy & Pathology 2