What is the visible portion of a nail called?

The visible portion of a nail is referred to as the nail body. This part of the nail is what you see above the skin and is composed of keratin, a tough protein that gives nails their strength. The nail body extends from the nail root at the base to the free edge at the tip, and it is the part that is typically polished and shaped in cosmetic applications. Understanding the structure of the nail is important in anatomy and physiology, as it helps clarify how nails grow and how they may be affected by various health conditions.

The other components of the nail, such as the nail bed, nail matrix, and nail root, serve different purposes. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail body, providing support and nourishment. The nail matrix is the area where nail growth occurs, located beneath the cuticle at the base of the nail. The nail root refers to the portion of the nail that is not visible as it lies beneath the cuticle and extends into the nail matrix. Each component plays a unique role in the overall health and growth of the nail, but it is the nail body that is the visible part that most people recognize.