What term means inflammation of the matrix of the nail?

What term means inflammation of the matrix of the nail?

• A. Papilloma
• B. Pediculosis
• C. Onychia
• D. Onychocryptosis

Answer: (C)

Understanding medical terms helps you decode what a condition affects. Here, the key is that onych- means nail and the matrix is the tissue at the base of the nail that produces new nail cells. When that matrix becomes inflamed, the condition is called onychia. This term specifically identifies inflammation at the nail’s growth area, which is why it’s the correct match. The other terms refer to different issues: a papilloma is a wart-like growth, pediculosis is lice infestation, and onychocryptosis is an ingrown nail. None of these describe inflammation of the nail matrix, so they don’t fit the definition.

Understanding medical terms helps you decode what a condition affects. Here, the key is that onych- means nail and the matrix is the tissue at the base of the nail that produces new nail cells. When that matrix becomes inflamed, the condition is called onychia. This term specifically identifies inflammation at the nail’s growth area, which is why it’s the correct match.

The other terms refer to different issues: a papilloma is a wart-like growth, pediculosis is lice infestation, and onychocryptosis is an ingrown nail. None of these describe inflammation of the nail matrix, so they don’t fit the definition.