American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

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Which part of the nail structure lies below the free edge and connects to the skin?

Hyponychium
Nail bed
Root
Lunula

The correct answer is: Hyponychium

The hyponychium is the area located beneath the free edge of the nail, serving as a critical structure that provides a protective barrier between the nail and the underlying skin. This tissue is important for the prevention of infections by sealing off the area where the nail meets the finger. Understanding the anatomy of the nail is essential for accurately identifying the functions of various parts. The hyponychium supports the free edge and connects the nail structure to the surrounding skin, ensuring that any contaminants do not easily infiltrate beneath the nail. It also has sensory nerves that can alert an individual to potential injury or irritation in that area. In contrast, the nail bed refers to the skin beneath the nail plate, while the root is the hidden part of the nail that lies below the cuticle, which is not directly related to the free edge. The lunula, visible as a pale crescent at the nail's base, is part of the nail matrix but does not lie beneath the free edge. Thus, recognizing the specific function of the hyponychium in relation to the nail structure allows for a better understanding of nail anatomy and its protective roles.