In terms of nail anatomy, what is primarily responsible for nail growth?

The nail matrix is the tissue located under the base of the nail, and it plays a crucial role in nail growth. It contains the cells that divide and push older cells forward, allowing the nail to extend over the fingertip. This area is often not visible, as it is covered by the cuticle. The matrix produces new nail cells that contribute to the formation and overall length of the nail.

In contrast, the nail bed serves as the support structure for the nail plate, but it does not contribute to actual nail growth. The cuticle, which is the small band of tissue at the base of the nail, protects the matrix from infection but also does not participate in the growth process. The nail plate itself is the hard, visible part of the nail that we see, consisting of keratin, but it is the nail matrix that is responsible for generating new cells that result in nail growth.