What is the term for the layer of skin that protects the area between the fingertip and the free edge?

The hyponychium is the layer of skin that serves as a protective barrier between the fingertip and the free edge of the nail. This area is located underneath the tip of the nail, where it meets the skin of the finger. It acts as a defense mechanism against pathogens, preventing them from entering beneath the nail and causing infection. The hyponychium is vital for maintaining nail health, as it protects the underlying tissues and contributes to the overall integrity of the nail structure.

In contrast, the lunula refers to the visible part of the nail matrix, typically seen as a pale crescent at the base of the nail. The matrix bed is the tissue underneath the base of the nail that produces new nail cells, while the nail plate is the hard part of the nail that you can see and touch. Each of these other terms describes different functions and structures associated with the nail, but none serve the specific protective role of the hyponychium.