American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What is another name for the nail bed?

1. Germinal matrix

2. Sterile matrix

3. Dermal layer

4. Epidermis

The correct answer is: Sterile matrix

The nail bed, also known as the sterile matrix, is the tissue underlying the nail plate. It plays a crucial role in supporting the structure of the nail and providing the necessary environment for nail growth. The sterile matrix is significant because it is responsible for producing the keratin that forms the nail plate, making it vital for the health and integrity of the nails. The germinal matrix refers specifically to the area under the base of the nail where new nail cells are generated. The dermal layer is a deeper layer of skin that contains connective tissues, hair follicles, and other structures, but it is not synonymous with the nail bed. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, protecting the layers beneath it, but it does not refer to the nail bed either. Understanding the terminology associated with nail anatomy is important for recognizing the functions and structures involved in nail health.