The location of the cuticle is described as:

• A. Overlapping tissue around the nail
• B. Base of the nail
• C. Under the nail plate
• D. Lateral nail fold

Answer: (A)

The cuticle is the protective tissue that overlaps the nail around the base of the nail. It sits at the proximal edge of the nail plate, forming a seal between the skin and the nail and helping to keep out dirt and microorganisms. That overlapping, surrounding tissue is what this description refers to.

The base of the nail refers to the nail matrix where growth begins, not the cuticle. The area under the nail plate is the nail bed, which supports the nail as it grows. The lateral nail fold is the skin along the sides of the nail, not the cuticle.