Where is the lunula located?

The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix, which is located at the base of the nail. It appears as a crescent-shaped white area and is often most noticeable on the thumb. This region is important because it indicates healthy nail growth; the lunula is where new nail cells are produced. While other parts of the nail serve distinct purposes, the lunula specifically signifies the area from which the nail grows, distinguishing it from the nail plate and cuticle. Understanding the lunula's location helps in assessing nail health and recognizing potential issues as it should always be prominent and visible to a certain degree in healthy nails.