MNT Nail Anatomy & Disorders 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which nail structure is responsible for producing the bulk of the nail plate?
- Nail bed
- Proximal nail fold
- Matrix (Correct answer)
- Hyponychium
Correct answer: Matrix
The matrix contains germinative cells that actively divide to produce the nail plate.
Question 2: The pale, half-moon shaped area visible at the base of some nails is called the:
- Hyponychium
- Lunula (Correct answer)
- Eponychium
- Nail bed
Correct answer: Lunula
The lunula is the visible distal portion of the matrix that appears white due to incomplete keratinization.
Question 3: Onycholysis is best defined as:
- Thickening of the nail plate
- Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed (Correct answer)
- Inflammation of the proximal nail fold
- Pitting of the nail surface
Correct answer: Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed
Onycholysis refers to the painless separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, starting distally.
Question 4: A client presents with small, shallow depressions across the nail plate surface. This finding is most consistent with:
- Leukonychia
- Nail pitting (Correct answer)
- Beau's lines
- Onychogryphosis
Correct answer: Nail pitting
Nail pitting appears as small punctate depressions and is classically associated with psoriasis and alopecia areata.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes Beau's lines?
- Longitudinal ridges running the length of the nail
- Transverse grooves across the nail plate (Correct answer)
- White horizontal bands on multiple nails
- Yellow discoloration of the nail plate
Correct answer: Transverse grooves across the nail plate
Beau's lines are transverse grooves caused by temporary arrest of nail matrix activity due to systemic illness or trauma.
Question 6: The structure that seals the junction between the nail plate and the nail bed distally is the:
- Eponychium
- Lunula
- Hyponychium (Correct answer)
- Lateral nail fold
Correct answer: Hyponychium
The hyponychium is the thickened epidermis beneath the free edge that provides a seal against pathogen entry.
Question 7: Onychogryphosis is characterized by:
- Complete nail plate loss
- Ram's horn-like thickening and curvature of the nail (Correct answer)
- Transverse nail splitting
- White spots beneath the nail plate
Correct answer: Ram's horn-like thickening and curvature of the nail
Onychogryphosis produces extreme nail thickening and curving, resembling a ram's horn, often seen in elderly patients.
MNT Nail Anatomy & Disorders 2
Which nail structure is responsible for producing the bulk of the nail plate?