eponychium

plural eponychia

1. anatomyThe thickened layer of skin adjoining fingernails and toenails, particularly at the base of the nail.

   Every nail has a lunula, but some lunulas are short and remain hidden under the eponychium.

   2015, Milady (Cengage Learning), chapter I, in Milady Standard Cosmetology, page 200

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   The nail is replaced to provide a physiologic dressing and to splint open the eponychium so that a new nail will grow in place.

   2008, Peter M. Antevy, Richard A. Saladino, “103: Management of Finger Injuries”, in Christopher King, Fred M. Henretig, editors, Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Procedures, page 947

   The cuticle (KYOO-tih-kul) is the crescent of dead, colorless tissue attached to the nail plate around the base of the nail. It forms a seal between the eponychium and the nail plate to prevent the entry of foreign materials and microorganisms and to help prevent injury and infection.

   2011, Maura Scali-Scheahan, Milady Standard Professional Barbering, 5th edition, Cengage Learning, page 673

   The eponychium overlies and protects the proximal portion of the nail and the germinal matrix.

   2015, Nicole Z. Sommer, M. Colin Rymer, Ryan W. Schmucker, “3: Injuries to the Nail Apparatus”, in Leo M. Rozmaryn, editor, Fingertip Injuries: Diagnosis, Management and Reconstruction, page 69

   Synonyms: medial nail fold, proximal nail fold

2. biologyThe protective capsule that surrounds the hoof of foetuses and neonates of hoofed animals, which disappears soon after birth, but remnants of which remain as part of the permanent hoof.

   The hooves are tipped with collagenous eponychia, which prevents damage to the amnion and beyond.

   2012, Paul McGreevy, Equine Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians and Equine Scientists, 2nd edition, page 163

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   2014, Kevin T. Corley, Jonna M. Jokisolo, Chapter 172: Evaluation of the Compromised Neonatal Foal, Kim A. Sprayberry, N. Edward Robinson, Robinson's Current Therapy in Equine Medicine, 7th Edition, page 720, The presence of eponychium (also called “foal slippers”) on the feet (Figure 172-3) is indicative that the foal has not yet stood.

   In ungulates, this is apparently exaggerated by the presence of the eponychia, or collagenous pads over the sole of the fetal hoof.

   2015, Donald M Broom, Andrew F Fraser, Domestic Animal Behaviour and Welfare, 5th edition, page 196