Hyponychium of Fingernail

Last updated: May 5th, 2025

The hyponychium of the fingernail is known as the quick of the nail. Hyponychium is the name given to the epithelium (a layer of thickened tissue) located underneath the nail plate, at the intersection between the spot where the skin of the fingertip meets the nail plate, below the free edge of the nail. The hyponychium forms a waterproof seal that helps to protect the nail bed from injury or disease.