Free Nail Technician practice test
Free Nail Technician Practice Test: Anatomy & Physiology (2026)
20 questions on Anatomy & Physiology, drawn from the written (theory) state board syllabus. Answer them all, then check your score. No account and no card.
Questions 1 to 20
Choose an answer before you open the explanation. Guessing first is what makes the explanation stick.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 1 of 20
What is the only living part of the nail?
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Correct answerA. The nail matrix
Why this is correct: The nail matrix produces nail cells and is the living part that forms the nail. The free edge and nail plate are hardened keratinized tissue.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 2 of 20
What is the condition called when the nail separates from the nail bed?
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Correct answerB. Onycholysis
Why this is correct: Onycholysis is the separation or lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed. Onychia is inflammation with pus, and onychophagy is nail biting.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 3 of 20
What is the term for a nail condition with pus caused by infection?
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Correct answerB. Onychia
Why this is correct: Onychia is inflammation of the nail area with pus caused by infection. Onychophagy is nail biting, and onycholysis is nail separation.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 4 of 20
What are fingernails made primarily of?
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Correct answerA. Keratin protein
Why this is correct: Nails are made primarily of keratin, a hard protein.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 5 of 20
About how long can it take for natural nail oils to return to the nail surface after the nail is cleansed?
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Correct answerB. 30 minutes
Why this is correct: Natural oils can return to the nail surface after cleansing. In nail-prep questions, about 30 minutes is the standard practical interval, which is why product is applied soon after proper cleansing.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 6 of 20
Which system controls body movements?
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Correct answerC. The central nervous system
Why this is correct: The central nervous system, made up of the brain and spinal cord, controls voluntary body movements.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 7 of 20
What does the circulatory system include?
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Correct answerA. Arteries and veins
Why this is correct: The circulatory system includes arteries, veins, capillaries, and the heart.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 8 of 20
What is the main function of red blood cells in the body?
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Correct answerA. To carry oxygen
Why this is correct: Red blood cells carry oxygen to body cells through hemoglobin. White blood cells help destroy bacteria.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 9 of 20
Which sign may indicate skin cancer?
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Correct answerA. Brown and black spots
Why this is correct: A spot with brown or black coloring and irregular borders can be a warning sign of skin cancer. Refer the client to a physician.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 10 of 20
Which muscle action spreads the fingers apart?
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Correct answerA. Abductor
Why this is correct: Abductor muscles move the fingers away from one another. Adductor muscles bring them back together.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 11 of 20
What is another name for athlete's foot?
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Correct answerD. Tinea pedis
Why this is correct: Athlete's foot is tinea pedis, a fungal infection of the foot. Paronychia is inflammation around the nail, and pterygium is abnormal skin growth on the nail.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 12 of 20
What is the skin directly under the free edge of the nail called?
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Correct answerA. Hyponychium
Why this is correct: The hyponychium is the skin under the free edge of the nail and helps prevent bacteria from entering.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 13 of 20
Which disease is caused by a fungus?
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Correct answerC. Ringworm
Why this is correct: Ringworm, also called tinea, is a skin disease caused by a fungus.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 14 of 20
How many bones are in the adult human body?
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Correct answerD. 206 bones
Why this is correct: The adult human body has 206 bones. Babies have more bones, and some fuse as the body develops.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 15 of 20
What is an infection of the skin around the nail called?
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Correct answerB. Paronychia
Why this is correct: Paronychia is an infection or inflammation of the tissue around the nail. Onychia refers to inflammation of the nail itself, and a nevus is a mole.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 16 of 20
If the nail stops growing, what area is likely damaged?
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Correct answerB. The nail matrix
Why this is correct: The matrix produces nail cells. Damage to the matrix can stop nail growth or cause the nail to grow abnormally.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 17 of 20
A client's nail is separating from the nail bed at the free edge. What is this condition called?
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Correct answerD. Onycholysis
Why this is correct: Onycholysis is separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. Onychophagy is nail biting, and tinea pedis is athlete's foot.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 18 of 20
What is the term for nails that are cracked, brittle, and split?
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Correct answerB. Onychorrhexis
Why this is correct: Onychorrhexis refers to brittle nails with lengthwise ridges that may split or crack.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 19 of 20
What are thin, white nails that curve upward at the free edge called?
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Correct answerD. Eggshell nails
Why this is correct: Eggshell nails are thin, white, soft, and may curve upward at the free edge.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 20 of 20
What is the technical term for the natural nail?
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Correct answerD. Onyx
Why this is correct: The natural nail is technically called the onyx.
Practice content notice: These are original study questions, not recalled or official exam items. Exam providers, timing, passing scores, and state-law coverage can change; verify current requirements with your licensing board.