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The medical term subungual means pertaining to__________.

1) above the nail
2) below the nail
3) within the nail
4) beside the nail

User Medvekoma
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Final answer:

The medical term subungual means pertaining to 2) below the nail.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is derived from the Latin words sub, meaning under, and unguis, meaning nail. Therefore, subungual refers to anything that is situated, occurring, or performed beneath the nail. In human anatomy, the nail bed is the area of skin under the nail plate and is considered part of the subungual region. It is pink in color due to the presence of capillaries in the dermis. The nail bed serves as a support for the nail and plays a crucial role in the growth and maintenance of nails.

For example, subungual hematoma refers to bleeding that occurs below the nail, often caused by trauma or injury. Subungual melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the area under the nail. Understanding the meaning of subungual is important in the medical field as it helps healthcare professionals communicate effectively about conditions and treatments related to the area beneath the nail. The correct answer is 2) below the nail.

User J Cracknell
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