Where are nail plate cells formed?

Nail plate cells are formed in the matrix, which is the tissue located under the base of the nail. The matrix is responsible for the growth of the nail plate, producing new cells that harden and form the visible portion of the nail. This area is crucial for nail development, as it nourishes the keratin-producing cells that ultimately create the structure of the nail.

The nail bed, nail fold, and cuticle do not produce the nail plate cells. The nail bed serves as the support structure for the nail, while the nail fold and cuticle are protective layers around the nail that help prevent infection and injury, but they do not contribute to the formation of the nail plate itself. Understanding the role of the matrix is essential for grasping how nails grow and regenerate.