1. The nail plateCommonly known as the fingernail. It is the visible portion of the nail. The nail plate is composed of compact translucent layers of keratinised cells. It is this that makes up the main body of the nail. The layers of cells are packed very closely together, with fat but very little moisture. The nail gradually grows forward over the nail bed, until finally it becomes the free edge. The underside of the nail plate is grooved by longitudinal ridges and furrows, which help to keep it in place.In normal health the plate curves in two directions:· Transversely – from side to side across the nail· Longitudinally – from the base of the nail to the free edge.There are no blood vessels or nerves in the nail plate. This is why the nails, like hair, can be cut without pain or bleeding. The pink colour of the nail plate derives from the blood vessels that pass beneath it. Function: To protect the living nail bed of the fingers and toes