What is the term used to describe the point where the nail enters the skin at the base?

The term used to describe the point where the nail enters the skin at the base is the eponychium. The eponychium is the layer of skin that lies over the base of the nail and helps protect the area between the nail and the skin from infections. It is often referred to as the cuticle, even though technically, the cuticle is the dead skin that overlaps the nail plate. This protective layer is essential for maintaining nail health and integrity.

Other terms related to nails include the nail matrix, which is the tissue under the base of the nail that produces new nail cells; the hyponychium, which is the skin located under the free edge of the nail; and the nail root, which is the part of the nail that is not seen since it is covered by the eponychium. While these are all important components of the nail structure, they do not specifically refer to the entry point of the nail into the skin, which is accurately described by the term "eponychium."