Eponychium

(anatomy) The horny layer of the nail fold attached to the nail plate at its margin; represents the remnant of the embryonic condition.
(embryology) A horny condition of the epidermis from the second to the eighth month of fetal life, indicating the position of the future nail.

1. The condensed eleidin-rich areas of the epidermis preceding the formation of nails in the embryo.
2. The thin skin adhering to the nail at its base.

1. the narrow band of epidermis extending from the claw wall onto the claw surface; commonly called cuticle.
2. the horny fetal epidermis at the site of the future claw.

Eponychium
Fingernail
Longitudinal section through nail and its nail groove (sulcus). (Eponychium labeled at upper left.)
Gray's	subject #234 1067

In human anatomy, the eponychium [Greek epi (on, upon) + onychion (little claw)], also known as the cuticle is the thickened layer of skin surrounding fingernails and toenails. Beneath the cuticle is a thin layer of a membrane known as the pterygium. The function is to protect the area between the nail and epidermis from exposure to harmful bacteria. The vascularization pattern is similar to that of perionychium.^[1]

Similarly, in hoofed animals, the eponychium is the deciduous hoof capsule in fetuses and newborn foals, and is a part of the permanent hoof in older animals.^[2]

References

1. ^ Sangiorgi S, Manelli A, Congiu T, et al. (2004). "Microvascularization of the human digit as studied by corrosion casting". J. Anat. 204 (2): 123–31. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7580.2004.00251.x. PMID 15032919. 
2. ^ Bragulla, H. (Mar 1991). "The deciduous hoof capsule (Capsula ungulae decidua) of the equine fetus and newborn foal". Anat Histol Embryol. 20 (1): 66–74. 

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