The nail plate is primarily formed by what type of cells?

The nail plate is primarily formed by dead cells, specifically keratinized cells that originate from the nail matrix. As these cells grow and proliferate in the matrix under the skin at the base of the nail, they gradually move outward and undergo a process called keratinization. This process transforms living cells into a hard, protective structure as they lose their nuclei and become filled with keratin, a fibrous protein. By the time they are visible as part of the nail plate, the cells are no longer living, which is why the nail plate has a hard and translucent appearance.

Understanding this helps clarify the nature of the nail structure and emphasizes the importance of the nail matrix in growth and health, which is crucial for nail care professionals. The other options do not accurately describe the composition of the nail plate; alive or mutated cells pertain to living tissue, while skin cells can imply a broader category that does not specifically refer to the keratinized cells forming the nail plate.