What supports the nail plate as it grows towards the free edge?

The nail bed is the area of skin beneath the nail plate, and it plays a crucial role in supporting the nail as it grows towards the free edge. The nail bed provides a foundation for the nail plate, allowing it to adhere and grow in a healthy manner. Additionally, the nail bed is rich in blood vessels and nerves, which supply nutrients and sensations necessary for maintaining nail health.

While the nail matrix, which is located under the cuticle, is responsible for producing new nail cells, it is the interaction between the nail matrix and the nail bed that enables the nail plate to extend and progress towards the free edge. The cuticle serves to protect the matrix and prevent infections but does not provide support to the nail plate during its growth. The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix at the base of the nail, playing a role in the formation process, but it does not directly support the nail plate’s growth towards the free edge.