What is the nail bed?

The nail bed is indeed defined as the living skin that supports the nail plate. This area is crucial for nail health, as it provides nourishment and a foundation for nail growth. The cells in the nail bed are actively dividing and contribute to the formation of the nail plate, which is the hard part of the nail that extends outwards.

The nail bed also contains blood vessels and nerves, which play a vital role in overall hand and nail sensitivity as well as giving the nail its pinkish hue due to the underlying blood supply. Understanding the function and anatomy of the nail bed is essential for providing effective manicure and pedicure services, as well as promoting healthy nail growth and maintenance.

In contrast, the skin that overlaps the nail is known as the nail fold, while the part extending beyond the fingertip is referred to as the free edge. The protective fold at the base of the nail is called the cuticle, which serves to protect the area between the skin and the nail from infection. Therefore, recognizing the specific anatomical terms and functions helps clarify why the nail bed is uniquely defined as the supporting living skin.