Which part of the nail matrix produces the nail plate?

The nail matrix is the area responsible for the production of the nail plate. It is located beneath the base of the nail and contains specialized cells that divide and produce keratin, which is the hard protein that makes up the bulk of the nail. As these cells multiply, they push older cells forward, causing the nail plate to grow outwards. This continuous process contributes to the overall length and health of the nail.

Understanding the roles of other components, such as the cuticle, nail bed, and lunula, helps clarify why the nail matrix is the correct answer. The cuticle is a protective barrier for the nail matrix and does not contribute to the nail plate's formation. The nail bed, meanwhile, serves as the foundation for the nail plate but does not produce it; instead, it supports the nail as it grows. The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix at the base of the nail, but it is not the entire matrix itself and does not directly produce the nail plate. The nail matrix is where the actual formation occurs, making it the correct answer.