Which part of the nail structure is devoid of blood vessels and nerves?

The part of the nail structure that is devoid of blood vessels and nerves is the nail plate. The nail plate is the hard, protective surface of the nail that we see and touch. It is composed primarily of keratin, which is a tough, fibrous protein. Since the nail plate is formed from dead cells that have been keratinized, it does not have any blood vessels or nerves present. This feature is significant because it allows the nail plate to serve as a protective barrier while being flexible and durable enough to withstand everyday activities.

The other parts of the nail structure, such as the nail bed, eponychium, and hyponychium, do contain blood vessels and nerves. The nail bed, for example, is located beneath the nail plate and does supply nutrients and support through its blood vessels. The eponychium, commonly referred to as the cuticle, and the hyponychium, which is the skin beneath the free edge of the nail, also have blood supply and sensory nerves associated with them. Thus, the nail plate stands out as the part of the nail structure that lacks these vital components.