eponychia

Noun

eponychium (plural eponychia)

1. The thickened layer of skin adjoining fingernails and toenails, particularly at the base of the nail.
   • The nail is replaced to provide a physiologic dressing and to splint open the eponychium so that a new nail will grow in place.2008, Peter M. Antevy, Richard A. Saladino, “103: Management of Finger Injuries”, in Christopher King, Fred M. Henretig, editors, Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Procedures, page 947

   Synonyms:

   medial nail fold, proximal nail fold

2. The protective capsule that surrounds the hoof of foetuses and neonates of hoofed animals, which disappears soon after birth, but remnants of which remain as part of the permanent hoof.
   • The hooves are tipped with collagenous eponychia, which prevents damage to the amnion and beyond.2012, Paul McGreevy, Equine Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians and Equine Scientists, 2nd edition, page 163