nail plate

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Introduction

The thin, hard, transparent plate of the finger or toenail originating from a matrix of specialized epithelial cells, the nail matrix. The under part of the nail is formed from the stratum germinativum of the epidermis & the free surface from the stratum lucidum. The nail plate takes 3-4 months to grow from its base to its distal edge.

Additional terms

References

  1. Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Common & Serious Diseases, 3rd ed, Fitzpatrick et al, McGraw Hill, NY, 1997, pg 496, 501
  2. Stedman's Medical Dictionary 26th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1995