Final answer:
Pushing back the cuticle affects the nail fold and should be conducted carefully to maintain its protective function.
Step-by-step explanation:
When pushing back the cuticle during a manicure, it affects the nail fold which is the skin that overlaps the sides of the nail plate. The cuticle, also known as the eponychium, is a fold of epithelium that extends over the nail bed and serves to protect new nails as they grow. This protective barrier helps to prevent infections. The nail plate, the main part that is visible and gets trimmed, is composed of densely packed dead keratinocytes.
Cutting the cuticle is a bad idea because it can break this protective seal, potentially leading to infections. The part of the nail that is typically trimmed is the free margin, which is the portion of the nail protruding past the finger or toe. It is important to maintain the integrity of the cuticle while manicuring.