4. The nail bedThe nail bed is the portion of skin upon which the nail plate rests. It has a pattern of grooves and furrows corresponding to those found on the underside of the nail plate; these interlock keeping the nail in place, but separate at the end of the nail to form the free edge. The nail bed is liberally supplied with blood vessels, which provide the nourishment necessary for continued growth and sensory nerves, for protection. The nail bed is a continuation of the of the matrix Function: To supply nourishment and protection.