Cuticle serves what primary function?

• A. prevents infection, moisture from getting under the skin
• B. The edge that covers the bottom of the nail
• C. The fold of skin on the sides of the nail
• D. The white area of the nail, part of the matrix

Answer: (A)

The cuticle’s main function is to act as a protective barrier at the nail root, sealing the area where the nail grows to keep infection out and moisture from getting under the nail plate. This protective seal helps shield the developing nail matrix from bacteria and fungi. If the cuticle is damaged or removed, the risk of infection increases. For context, the edge under the nail is the hyponychium, the skin on the sides is the lateral nail folds, and the white crescent at the base is the lunula, part of the matrix.