What structure attaches the nail bed to the underlying bone?

What structure attaches the nail bed to the underlying bone?

• A. Ligaments
• B. Tendons
• C. Cartilage
• D. Muscles

Answer: (A)

Ligaments stabilize and anchor tissues to bone, so they hold the nail bed in place against the underlying bone as the nail grows. This connection keeps the nail plate aligned with the bone and resistant to movement or shear forces. Tendons attach muscles to bone, not the nail bed; cartilage cushions joints, and muscles move structures rather than anchor the nail bed.

Ligaments stabilize and anchor tissues to bone, so they hold the nail bed in place against the underlying bone as the nail grows. This connection keeps the nail plate aligned with the bone and resistant to movement or shear forces. Tendons attach muscles to bone, not the nail bed; cartilage cushions joints, and muscles move structures rather than anchor the nail bed.