Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which part of the nail matrix is involved in nail growth?

1. The distal edge of the lunula

2. The proximal area near the cuticle

3. The nail bed region

4. The soft tissue surrounding the nail

The correct answer is: The proximal area near the cuticle

The part of the nail matrix involved in nail growth is the proximal area near the cuticle. This area is crucial because it produces new nail cells that push older ones forward, resulting in the growth of the nail. The nail matrix, found beneath the cuticle, is made up of living cells that actively divide and create the keratinized structure that forms the visible part of the nail. As these cells multiply, they gradually harden and form the nail plate, contributing to the overall length and health of the nail. Other components, such as the distal edge of the lunula and the nail bed region, play supportive roles in nail structure and function but do not directly contribute to the process of nail cell generation and growth. The soft tissue surrounding the nail also serves protective and supportive functions but lacks the cellular activity necessary for growth. Thus, the proximal area near the cuticle is where the dynamic process of new nail formation occurs.