📘 Nail Structure, Disorders & Diseases – Practice Exam (25 Questions)
1. The technical term for the natural nail is:
A. Keratin B. Onyx C. Epithelium D. Matrix Answer: B. Onyx
2. The natural nail is composed mainly of:
A. Elastin B. Collagen C. Keratin D. Protein lipids Answer: C. Keratin
3. The nail plate is made of approximately how many layers of nail cells?
A. 10 B. 25 C. 50 or fewer D. 75 Answer: C. 50 or fewer
4. What percentage of water does a healthy nail typically contain?
A. 5–10% B. 15–25% C. 30–40% D. 50% Answer: B. 15–25%
5. The portion of living skin that supports the nail plate as it grows is called the:
A. Nail fold B. Nail bed C. Hyponychium D. Lunula Answer: B. Nail bed
6. The matrix contains:
A. Only keratin cells B. Nerves, lymph, and blood vessels C. Only collagen D. Cuticle tissue Answer: B. Nerves, lymph, and blood vessels
7. The visible whitish half-moon shape at the base of the nail is the:
A. Hyponychium B. Lunula C. Cuticle D. Nail groove Answer: B. Lunula
8. Which part of the nail is NON-living tissue?
A. Eponychium B. Nail bed C. Cuticle D. Matrix Answer: C. Cuticle
9. The living skin found at the base of the nail plate covering the matrix area is the:
A. Cuticle B. Eponychium C. Hyponychium D. Nail fold Answer: B. Eponychium
10. The proximal nail fold (PNF) is the:
A. Flap of skin covering the matrix and nail plate B. Living tissue under the nail plate C. Dead skin attached to nail D. Free edge Answer: A. Flap of skin covering the matrix and nail plate
11. Nail technicians are prohibited from:
A. Pushing back the PNF B. Cutting living tissue C. Applying cuticle oil D. Filing the free edge Answer: B. Cutting living tissue
12. The protective barrier under the free edge of the nail is the:
A. Lunula B. Hyponychium C. Eponychium D. Nail groove Answer: B. Hyponychium
13. Specialized ligaments:
A. Connect nail bed and matrix to bone B. Produce keratin cells C. Form nail grooves D. Secrete sebum Answer: A. Connect nail bed and matrix to bone
14. Sidewalls are also known as:
A. Nail beds B. Nail grooves C. Lateral nail folds D. Lunula Answer: C. Lateral nail folds
15. Which factor does NOT affect nail growth?
A. Nutrition B. Exercise C. General health D. Hair length Answer: D. Hair length
16. Nails typically grow how fast in adults?
A. 1/20 inch per month B. 1/10 to 1/8 inch per month C. 1/2 inch per month D. 1 inch per month Answer: B. 1/10 to 1/8 inch per month
17. Which nails grow faster?
A. Toenails B. Fingernails C. Both equally D. Depends on diet only Answer: B. Fingernails
18. A longer matrix produces:
A. Thinner nails B. Thicker nails C. Narrow grooves D. White spots Answer: B. Thicker nails
19. Complete replacement of a fingernail takes about:
A. 1–2 months B. 4–6 months C. 9–12 months D. 18 months Answer: B. 4–6 months
20. A toenail takes about how long to fully replace?
A. 2–3 months B. 4–6 months C. 9–12 months D. 2 years Answer: C. 9–12 months
21. Nail disorders may be caused by:
A. Injury B. Heredity C. Systemic disease D. All of the above Answer: D. All of the above
22. Nail technicians should NOT perform services if the client’s nails are:
A. Healthy and firm B. Infected, inflamed, or swollen C. Shiny and pink D. Moisturized Answer: B. Infected, inflamed, or swollen
23. Which practice helps reduce risk of infection in the salon?
A. Wearing nitrile gloves B. Disinfecting metal implements C. Disposing of single-use items D. All of the above Answer: D. All of the above
24. Which of the following is NOT permitted in the salon?
A. Filing nail plates B. Treating nail infections C. Using clean towels per client D. Following SDS guidelines Answer: B. Treating nail infections
25. The presence of redness, swelling, pain, or pus around the nail indicates:
A. Normal nail growth B. A healthy cuticle C. Nail infection D. Nail groove formation Answer: C. Nail infection
