Question

The ____________ contains mitotic cells. the ____________ contains layers of compacted, highly keratinized epithelial cells. the ____________ is the part of the nail that can overhang the tip of the finger. the ____________ is deep to the eponychium.

Answer 1

The given blanks can be filled with nail matrix, nail body, free edge of the nail, and nail root.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nail matrix is situated on the dorsal part of the phalanx at the proximal edge of the nail root on the toes and fingers and comprises mitotic cells. It is considered the growth zone of the nail.

Nail body refers to the part of the nail plate, which comprises the layers of compacted, highly keratinized epithelial cells. It works to protect the tip of the toes and fingers.

The free edge of the nail refers to the distal edge of the nail plate, situated on the fingers and toes on the nail plate. It helps to protect the tip of the toe and finger and is the part of the nail, which can overhang the tip of the finger.

The nail root is situated deep into the eponychium on the nail plate on the toes and fingers. It is the proximal part of the nail plate, and comprises cells of the nail matrix, and helps in the growth of the nail.

Answer 2

nail matrix
nail body
free edge nail
nail root

Nails are hard plates of tightly packed keratinized cells. They are clear and cover the dorsal surface of the last phalanges of fingers and toes. Nails protect the the ends of the fingers, allow us to scratch various parts of our body and help us grasping and manipulating small objects.
The site of nail growth is the nail matrix that is found beneath the nail root. The nail matrix is thick and is only composed of the deeper layer of the epidermis: the stratum basale (or germinativum). The keratinization of the cells of the nail matrix proceeds in the absence of a stratum granulosum and lucidum and this results into formation of a of a rigid and durable plate. As the nail matrix thus proliferates and differentiates, this hard plate is pushed forward onto the nail bed and the nail grows.