The living tissue under the free edge of the nail is the:

• A. nail bed
• B. lunula
• C. eponychium
• D. hyponychium

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the anatomy of the nail structure. The nail consists of several parts, including the nail plate, nail bed, lunula, eponychium, and hyponychium.
2. Step 2: Define each term provided in the options to clarify their location and function. For example: The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, the lunula is the crescent-shaped whitish area at the base of the nail, and the eponychium is the cuticle that protects the area between the skin and the nail plate.
3. Step 3: Focus on the term 'hyponychium,' which is the correct answer. The hyponychium is the living tissue located under the free edge of the nail, acting as a protective barrier to prevent pathogens from entering beneath the nail.
4. Step 4: Compare the location of the hyponychium with the other options to ensure it matches the description of 'living tissue under the free edge of the nail.' This step helps eliminate incorrect answers.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the hyponychium is the correct answer based on its anatomical position and function, as it specifically refers to the tissue under the free edge of the nail.