Final answer:
The prefix related to the fingernail is 'onycho-'. Fingernails are composed of keratinized cells and lack nerve endings, facilitating growth without pain. The nail root, bed, and free margin are key components of the nail structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prefix pertaining to the fingernail is onycho-, which comes from the Greek word onyx meaning nail or claw. For example, onychophagy refers to the habit of nail-biting. The study of nails, including their structure, function, and diseases, is known as onychology.
Fingernails are important accessory structures of the integumentary system which protect the fingertips and enhance tactile sensation. They are made up of specialized epidermal cells filled with keratin. The nail grows from the nail bed, and as more cells are added, the old ones are pushed out, growing the nail longer. Nails lack nerve endings, which explains why cutting nails is not painful.
The nail root is hidden under the skin at the base of the nail and is responsible for nail growth. The nail bed is where the nail sits on, and the free margin is the part of the nail that extends past the finger and is typically trimmed.