What is the living tissue that overlies the nail plate on the sides of the nail?

• A. Perionychium
• B. Hyponychium
• C. Eponychium
• D. Nail bed

Answer: (A)

The nail unit has tissue that wraps around and supports the nail plate. On the sides, the living tissue that directly covers and protects the nail plate is the perionychium, specifically the lateral nail folds. The eponychium is the proximal cuticle at the base of the nail, the hyponychium sits under the distal edge, and the nail bed lies directly beneath the nail plate. So the tissue that overlies the nail plate on the sides is the perionychium.