Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Eponychium
Introduction
The eponychium or cuticle in human anatomy refers to the thickened layer of skin surrounding fingernails and toenails. The function is to protect the area between the nail and epidermis from exposure to harmful bacteria. Beneath the cuticle is a thin layer of pterygium.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]