What is the name of the crescent of dead, colorless tissue attached to the nail plate around the base of the nail?

The crescent of dead, colorless tissue that is attached to the nail plate around the base of the nail is known as the cuticle. The cuticle serves as a protective barrier that covers the area where new nail growth starts, preventing pathogens from entering and causing potential infections.

While the nail matrix is the part of the nail bed that produces the cells that eventually become the nail plate, it is not visible as a crescent of tissue. The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail plate, and the lunula is the visible portion of the nail matrix, often seen as a white crescent. However, the lunula is distinct from the cuticle, which specifically refers to the dead tissue at the nail's base. Thus, the cuticle plays a crucial role in nail health by protecting the nail growth area.