What does the nail structure primarily consist of?

The nail structure is primarily composed of the shaft of the nail that is visible above the skin and the nail follicle, which is situated below the skin. The nail plate, which is the hard part that we see as the nail, is supported by the underlying structures including the nail bed, the lunula, and the matrix. The matrix is the area responsible for producing new nail cells, which contributes to nail growth.

Understanding this structure is crucial as it helps to explain how nails grow and how they can be affected by health and environmental factors. While the nail plate is indeed a significant part of the nail structure, it does not provide a complete picture on its own; thus, it's important to acknowledge the entire anatomy of the nail, which includes both its above-skin and below-skin components.