What is the anatomical term for the hard part of the nail?

The hard part of the nail is referred to as the nail plate. This structure is composed primarily of a tough protein called keratin, which provides strength and protection to the underlying tissues. The nail plate is the visible part of the nail that extends over the tip of the finger or toe, playing a crucial role in the overall appearance and functionality of nails.

Understanding the other components helps clarify why the nail plate is distinct: the nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate; the cuticle, which is the layer of skin at the base of the nail plate, serves to protect the area where the nail grows; and the nail matrix is the tissue underneath the base of the nail responsible for nail growth. Each of these structures plays a supportive role, but it is the nail plate that forms the hard, protective surface that is commonly recognized as the nail itself.