Where are the nail matrix and nail root located?

The nail matrix and nail root are located in the nail mantle, which is the area of tissue that produces the cells that form the nail. The nail matrix is crucial because it is responsible for nail growth, as it contains the actively dividing cells that generate new nail plate material. The nail root, which is part of the nail matrix, is located under the skin at the base of the nail and contributes to the foundation of the nail structure.

Other areas mentioned, such as the nail bed, fingertips, and nail tip, serve different functions. The nail bed is the part of the finger underneath the nail plate where the nail rests; while it plays a role in nail health and function, it does not produce the nail itself. The fingertips are the tips of the fingers and do not contain the matrix or root, and the nail tip is the distal area of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip. Each plays a role in the anatomy of the nail, but they are not the production sites like the nail mantle.