Flashcards on Perionychium: Anatomy, Injuries, and Management
Perionychium: Anatomy, Injuries, & Management for Students
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Nail surgery: perionychium care
82 cards
Card 1
Question: What functions does the fingernail (perionychium) serve beyond cosmetic appearance?
Answer: Protects the fingertip, helps regulate peripheral circulation, and contributes to tactile sensation for picking up small objects.
Card 2
Question: What anatomical structures are included in the perionychium?
Answer: Nail bed (germinal matrix and sterile matrix), nail fold (dorsal roof and ventral floor), eponychium, paronychium, and hyponychium.
Card 3
Question: What is the germinal matrix and why is it important in nail reconstruction?
Answer: The proximal part of the nail bed that produces about 90% of the nail; scarring of the germinal matrix leads to absence of the nail, making it critica
Card 4
Question: What is the sterile matrix and what happens if it is injured?
Answer: The distal part of the nail bed that adds a thin cell layer to the nail underside, keeping the nail adherent; injury leads to nail deformity.
Card 5
Question: What is the eponychium and what structure extends distally from it onto the nail?
Answer: The skin proximal to the nail that covers the nail fold; the nail vest or cuticle extends distally from the eponychium onto the nail.
Card 6
Question: What is the lunula and what does it represent anatomically?
Answer: The white arc of the nail just distal to the eponychium; it is the distal extent of the germinal matrix.
Card 7
Question: Describe the vascular supply to the perionychium.
Answer: Terminal branches of the radial and ulnar volar digital arteries and capillary loops supply the perionychium; veins drain into the proximal nail bed a
Card 8
Question: Which nerves supply sensation to the nail bed?
Answer: Dorsal branches of the volar radial and ulnar digital nerves and the most distal branches of the dorsal radial digital nerve.
Card 9
Question: What is notable about the lymphatics of the hyponychium and why is this important?
Answer: The hyponychium contains the greatest density of lymphatics of any dermal area, which helps deter infection in this frequently exposed area.
Card 10
Question: Why is radiographic evaluation recommended for nail bed injuries?
Answer: Because there is about a 50% chance of bone involvement with a nail bed injury.