Which statement is true about the nail plate?

The nail plate is indeed a structure that contains no nerves. This is an important aspect of its anatomy. The nail plate is made up of layers of a hard protein called keratin, which forms a protective covering for the fingertip. While the surrounding areas of the nail, such as the nail bed and the cuticle, are rich in nerve endings that provide sensitivity and sensory feedback, the nail plate itself does not have any nerve fibers. This characteristic allows the nail to act as a shield without the risk of causing pain upon minor bumps or impacts.

Understanding that the nail plate is avascular (meaning it lacks blood vessels) also contributes to the insight that it cannot have nerves, as both structures are typically found in living tissue that requires a blood supply. The growth of the nail plate originates from the nail matrix, which is located under the cuticle and is responsible for the production of new cells that form the nail. Hence, while the nail matrix is where growth occurs, the nail plate itself remains insensitive to pain and pressure due to the absence of nerve endings.