American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What are the components of the nail structure that provide its growth and support?

1. Cuticle and lunula

2. Root, nail bed, and nail plate

3. Nail tip and nail bed

4. Hyponychium and eponychium

The correct answer is: Root, nail bed, and nail plate

The growth and support of the nail structure primarily come from the root, nail bed, and nail plate. The root of the nail is where the nail growth occurs, situated under the cuticle. This area contains the nail matrix, which is essential for producing new nail cells that continuously push older cells forward, resulting in nail growth. The nail bed is the skin underlying the nail plate, and it provides a supportive surface for the nail as it grows. It contains blood vessels and nerves that contribute to the nourishment and sensation of the nail unit. The nail plate, which is the hard, protective covering of the nail, is composed of keratin, a tough protein. While it is visible and serves as the exterior part of the nail structure, it relies on the other components like the root and nail bed for growth and support. The other answer choices describe parts of the nail but do not encompass the primary components responsible for overall nail growth and structural support. For example, the cuticle and lunula are involved in the protection and appearance of the nail but do not directly contribute to growth and support in the same manner as the root, nail bed, and plate. The nail tip and hyponychium are relevant to the nail's protection but are not