Which part of the nail is considered dead tissue?

The cuticle is considered dead tissue because it is made up of non-living cells that help protect the area where the nail grows. This layer serves as a barrier that shields the nail matrix from infections and external elements. While the cuticle is an important part of the nail anatomy, it doesn't actively contribute to nail growth, which is primarily the function of the living matrix beneath the cuticle.

The nail plate, on the other hand, is the visible part of the nail and is formed from closely packed keratinocytes, making it a part of the living structure until it grows out beyond the fingertip. The matrix is the tissue underneath the base of the nail responsible for producing new nail cells, and the nail bed is the skin underneath the nail plate that provides nutrients and supports the nail. Both the matrix and nail bed consist of living tissue essential for healthy nail growth and maintenance.