What is the term for the area where the natural nail grows beyond the finger?

The area where the natural nail grows beyond the finger is referred to as the free edge. This part of the nail is the portion that extends past the fingertip and is typically what is visible once the nails have grown out. It serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, as it can be shaped and designed during manicures to enhance the appearance of the hands. Understanding the anatomy of the nail is crucial for nail care, as the free edge is the part that may chip or break and requires regular maintenance to keep it healthy and looking good.

In contrast, the cuticle is the layer of dead skin that overlaps the base of the nail, protecting the area from infections. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate that provides a foundation for nail growth, while the matrix is the tissue that produces the nail plate itself. Each of these terms is significant in the study of nail theory and practice, but for the specific definition of the area beyond the finger, the free edge is the correct term.