What is the nail structure that overlaps the lunula at the base of the nail?

The structure that overlaps the lunula at the base of the nail is known as the eponychium. The eponychium is a layer of skin that acts as a protective barrier for the nail matrix, where new nail cells are produced. This layer serves an important function by helping to prevent pathogens from entering the area beneath the nail, which could lead to infections or other complications.

Understanding the role of the eponychium is essential for nail technology, as proper care and handling of this area is crucial for maintaining healthy nails. In contrast, the lunula is actually the visible part of the nail matrix, which appears as a whitish crescent shape at the base of the nail. The nail matrix is the tissue beneath the eponychium that generates new nail growth, while the nail bed is the area on which the body of the nail rests and is attached. Recognizing these distinctions is key in the study of nail anatomy.