From which part of the nail does nail growth occur?

Nail growth occurs primarily from the matrix, which is the tissue located under the base of the nail, just beneath the cuticle area. This area is responsible for producing new nail cells, which then harden and form the visible part of the nail as they push outward. The matrix's health and functionality directly impact the growth rate and overall health of the nail. This process is essential for the normal development of nails, as the matrix is the area where keratinocytes proliferate, ultimately resulting in the formation of the nail plate.

The nail bed, while important for supporting the nail, does not generate new nail cells. The nail fold serves as a protective barrier and helps define the shape of the nail but is not involved in the actual production of nail growth. The cuticle acts as a protective layer for the matrix and the nail, but it does not contribute to nail growth itself. Thus, it is the matrix that is fundamental to nail growth and its overall health.