Final answer:
The Latin term for nails refers to the hard plates of the fingers and toes, with the structure including the nail root, body (plate), and cuticle, among other parts. The nail root begins at the nail matrix, with growth contributed by keratinocytes, and the cuticle helps seal and protect the nail.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nail Anatomy and Terms
The anatomical term for nails in a medical or technical context generally refers to the hard plates on the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of fingers and toes. In the human body, the nail is a complex structure with several parts which include the nail root, nail body (plate), and free margin. Surrounding the nail are the nail bed, the nail cuticle (also known as eponychium), and the nail fold. The nail root is located under the skin at the beginning of the nail and is where nail growth starts, from a deep layer called the nail matrix.
This root forms keratinocytes, the cells that produce keratin and thus form the nail plate. The nail plate is the hard and visible part of the nail. The nail cuticle is a layer of dead epithelial cells that overlaps and seals the edge of the nail plate. Lastly, the nail fold is a groove in which the side edges of the nail plate are embedded. Together, these structures keep the nail strong and protect against infections.