Final answer:
Onychectomy is the surgical removal of the nail, including the nail root, plate, bed, cuticle, and fold. It is commonly performed on animals to prevent scratch injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surgical removal of the nail, including the nail root, which is where the nail begins, is known as onychectomy. The nail plate, which is the visible part of the nail, is removed along with the nail bed, cuticle, and nail fold. Onychectomy is a procedure that is commonly performed on animals, particularly cats, to prevent scratch injuries and other related problems.