What are slits or tracks in the nail bed at the sides of the nail called?

The term for the slits or tracks in the nail bed located at the sides of the nail is "nail grooves." These grooves serve as a guide for the growth of the nail and determine how the nail will expand as it grows out. They help to maintain the shape and integrity of the nail structure and play a crucial role in nail anatomy, allowing the skin to fit snugly against the sides of the nail plate.

Other terms such as "nail folds," "nail edges," or "nail bands" refer to different components or features of the nail anatomy. Nail folds are the skin that overlaps the sides of the nail plate, while nail edges typically refer to the perimeter or free edge of the nail. Nail bands may indicate bands of color or texture on the nail but do not specifically pertain to the grooves or slits in the nail bed. Understanding these distinctions is important for proper nail care and anatomy knowledge in the context of manicuring.