
The nail bed is the layer of skin or vascular epidermis under the nail of a finger or toe. It is sometimes referred to as 'the quick' and is very sensitive. The hard surface of the nail is known as the nail plate, which is connected to the nail bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | The layer of skin under the nail of a finger or toe |
| The vascular epidermis upon which most of the fingernail or toenail rests | |
| The hard surface of the nail is known as the nail plate, and it is connected to the tissue below, the nail bed | |
| Alternative names | The quick |
| Sensitivity | Very sensitive |
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What You'll Learn

The nail bed is the layer of skin under the nail of a finger or toe
The nail bed is the tissue below the hard surface of the nail, known as the nail plate. It is very sensitive, which is why cutting your nails too short can be painful. This sensitivity is also the origin of the phrase 'cut to the quick', which can refer to both physical and emotional pain.
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The nail bed is also known as the vascular epidermis
The nail bed is the layer of skin under the nail of a finger or toe. It is also known as the vascular epidermis, which has a longitudinally ridged surface often visible through the nail. The nail bed is sometimes referred to as 'the quick', owing to its sensitive nature. The hard surface of the nail is known as the nail plate, and it is connected to the nail bed.
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The nail bed is sometimes referred to as the quick
The nail bed is the vascular epidermis upon which most of the fingernail or toenail rests. It has a longitudinally ridged surface that is often visible through the nail. The nail bed is also known as the matrix.
The nail bed is sometimes referred to as 'the quick'. This is because the tissue below the nail plate is very sensitive. If you have ever cut your nails too short, you will know how sensitive the nail bed can be. The phrase 'cut to the quick' refers to both cutting your nails too short and to hurting someone's feelings in a decisive and stinging blow.
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The nail bed is the tissue below the hard surface of the nail, known as the nail plate
The nail bed is the layer of skin or tissue below the hard surface of the nail, known as the nail plate. The nail bed is also known as the 'quick' and is highly sensitive. The phrase 'cut to the quick' refers to both cutting your nails too short and hurting someone's feelings. The nail bed has a longitudinally ridged surface that is often visible through the nail.
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The nail bed is sensitive
The nail bed is the layer of skin under the nail of a finger or toe. It is the tissue below the nail plate. If you have ever cut your nails too short, you will know just how sensitive the nail bed is.
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Frequently asked questions
A nail bed is the layer of skin under the nail of a finger or toe. It is also known as 'the quick'.
The nail bed is made of vascular epidermis. This is a type of tissue that has a longitudinally ridged surface often visible through the nail.
The nail bed is very sensitive, so cutting your nails too short can be painful. This has led to the phrase 'cut to the quick', which can refer to physical pain or to hurting someone's feelings.










































