What is the technical term for the skin located under the free edge of the nail?

The skin located under the free edge of the nail is known as the hyponychium. This area serves as a protective barrier, preventing pathogens and debris from entering beneath the nail. The hyponychium also plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the nail structure and is typically not visible, as it lies beneath the edge of the nail.

The other terms refer to different parts of the nail anatomy. The eponychium, for instance, is the skin located at the base of the nail, often referred to as the cuticle, while the nail mantle is a part of the nail growth area, and the nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate. Each part has its specific function, but in the context of the skin under the free edge, hyponychium is the technically correct term.