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What term describes the overlapping dead tissue that is loose and pliable around the nail?

  1. Cuticle

  2. Dermis

  3. Epithelium

  4. Lunula

The correct answer is: Cuticle

The correct term for the overlapping dead tissue that is loose and pliable around the nail is indeed the cuticle. The cuticle plays a protective role by acting as a barrier to prevent pathogens from entering the nail matrix, which is the part of the nail that produces the nail plate. It is essential for maintaining nail health and preventing infections. The dermis refers to the layer of skin beneath the epidermis and is not specifically related to the nail structure. Epithelium is a type of tissue that covers body surfaces and lines cavities but does not denote the specific tissue surrounding the nail. The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix at the base of the nail, characterized by its crescent shape, but it does not encompass the overlapping dead tissue around the nail, which is primarily identified as cuticle.