What is referred to as the white area at the base of the nail plate?

The white area at the base of the nail plate is known as the lunula. This crescent-shaped structure is most prominent on the thumbs and is visible as a pale, half-moon shape at the nail's base. The lunula is a part of the nail matrix, where the nail growth originates, and its color is lighter due to the presence of underlying tissues and the thickness of the nail plate. This area is important in understanding nail growth and health, as any changes to its appearance could indicate underlying health issues.

The eponychium, which is often confused with the lunula, refers to the thin layer of skin that overlaps the nail plate at the base, protecting the area behind the nail from infection. The matrix itself is the tissue under the nail that produces cells, ultimately forming the nail plate, but it is not visible as the white area. The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail plate, which supports the nail as it grows, but it does not appear as a white area at the nail’s base.