What is the Eponychium?

The eponychium is the layer of skin that overlaps the base of the nail on the surface of the nail bed. It serves as a protective barrier for the area where new nail growth occurs. This term specifically refers to the skin that helps protect the nail matrix and the underlying tissues from infections and other harm during the growth of the nail.

In the context of the other options, the layer of skin at the nail bed refers to different anatomical components, while the part of the nail that grows beyond the fingertip is describing the free edge of the nail. Skin found under the nail plate pertains to other structures related to nail anatomy but does not accurately define the eponychium. Understanding the specific roles and locations of various components of nail anatomy is vital for practicing safe and effective manicure techniques.