What is the scientific name for human nails?

Answer 1

Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protein called keratin, as are animals' hooves and horns. Along with hair and teeth they are an appendage of the skin. The parts of the nail are: * Matrix This is the only living part of the nail. It is situated behind and underneath the Nail Fold and produces protein keratin which makes up the Nail Plate. If the matrix is ever damaged in any way, it would affect the Nail Plate growth. * Eponychium This is the dead skin that forms around the cuticle area. This can be lifted and trimmed during a professional manicure treatment. Tends to be more prominent on males. * Paronychium This is the 'live' skin that folds around the cuticle area giving protection to the Matrix. * Hyponychium, Is the area of attachment between the Nail Plate and Nail Bed that lies underneath the free edge. Anatomical terms of location Proximal and distal, end of the nail. * Nail plate Is the hard and translucent portion which is composed of layers of protein keratin. * Nail bed The Nail Bed is responsible for the 'pinkish' colour of the Nail Plate. It also determines what shape the nail will grow. * Lunula Tends to only be visible in larger nails. Is the whitish crescent shape around the base of the nail plate, is the shadow of the Matrix. * Nail fold A fold of hard skin overlapping the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail * Free edge The part of the nail that extends past the finger, beyond the nail plate. There should always be a free edge present to prevent infections. Ideally a free edge should be half of the 'pink' nail in length.[citation needed] * Nail Groove Acts as 'runners on drawers' and guides the direction of nail growth. They are situated down the sides of the Nail Fold.

Taken from Wikipedia.com...the answer to all things.

Answer 2

The scientific name for human nails is "unguis."