What is the cuticle at the lower part of the nail called?

The cuticle at the lower part of the nail is referred to as the eponychium. This is a layer of tissue that overlaps the nail plate at the base of the nail, providing protection to the area between the skin and the nail. The eponychium plays a crucial role in safeguarding against infections and maintaining the health of the nail bed.

In contrast, the lunula is the visible white crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail, not the cuticle. The nail matrix refers to the tissue beneath the base of the nail where new nail cells are produced, influencing nail growth. The nail root is the part of the nail that is embedded in the skin and provides anchorage for the nail, but it does not specifically indicate the cuticle area. Understanding these distinct terms is essential for identifying the relevant parts of the nail anatomy effectively.