Which part of the nail structure contains blood, lymph, and nerves crucial for new nail growth?

The nail matrix is the critical part of the nail structure that contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves, all of which play essential roles in the growth and development of new nails. Located beneath the base of the nail, the matrix generates new cells that are pushed out to form the visible part of the nail, known as the nail plate. The presence of blood vessels in the matrix supplies the necessary nutrients for healthy nail growth, while nerves provide sensory information about the nail's environment.

In contrast, the nail mantle is the fold of skin that protects the matrix but does not contribute directly to nail growth itself. The nail plate comprises the hard outer layer of the nail, which is made up of keratin and does not contain any living tissue. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate, also important for supporting the nail but not as crucial for generating new growth as the matrix.