What type of cells are found in the nail matrix?

The nail matrix is a critical area located at the base of the nail, responsible for the growth of the nail. Within the nail matrix, the primary types of cells present are keratinocytes and matrix cells.

Keratinocytes are specialized skin cells that produce keratin, a fibrous protein that forms the structural framework of the nails. As these cells proliferate in the matrix, they undergo a process of keratinization, eventually dying and forming the hard, protective covering of the nail. The matrix cells, which can be thought of as the progenitor cells, also play an essential role in nail growth, as they continuously divide to create new cells that push older cells forward.

Understanding the function of keratinocytes and matrix cells in the nail matrix highlights their vital role in nail formation and health, confirming why the correct answer identifies them as the primary cell types present in that area.