Onychia is an inflammation of the:

• A. nail bed
• B. sebaceous glands
• C. epidermis
• D. hair follicle

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'Onychia.' Onychia refers to inflammation specifically associated with the nail or nail bed. This term is derived from 'onyx,' which means nail in Greek.
2. Step 2: Review the anatomy of the nail bed. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, rich in blood vessels and nerves, and plays a crucial role in nail growth and health.
3. Step 3: Compare the nail bed to the other options provided: sebaceous glands, epidermis, and hair follicle. Sebaceous glands are responsible for secreting sebum and are located near hair follicles, not related to nails. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, and while it covers the body, it is not specific to the nail bed. Hair follicles are structures that produce hair, unrelated to nails.
4. Step 4: Recognize that inflammation of the nail bed (Onychia) is distinct from conditions affecting sebaceous glands, epidermis, or hair follicles. This specificity helps identify the correct answer.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'nail bed,' as Onychia directly refers to inflammation in this anatomical structure.