Free Nail Technician practice test
Free Nail Technician Practice Test: Anatomy & Physiology (2027)
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
Which structure produces the new cells that form the nail plate?
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Correct answerA. The nail matrix
Why this is correct: The nail matrix is correct: cells made in the nail matrix become the nail plate. The free edge is wrong because the free edge is the part of the formed nail plate that extends past the fingertip. The nail plate is wrong because the nail plate is the hard keratin surface produced by those cells, not the structure producing them. The lateral nail fold is wrong because the lateral nail fold is skin bordering the side of the nail; it does not produce the nail plate. The nail unit includes other living tissues, so the matrix should not be described as its only living part.
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 correct: the nail plate separates from its nail bed. Onychia is wrong because it means inflammation of the nail matrix, not separation. Onychophagy is wrong because it means nail biting. These terms do not authorize a nail technician to diagnose or treat a client; concerning nail changes should be referred for appropriate clinical assessment.
Anatomy & Physiology Question 3 of 20
Which term refers to inflammation of the nail matrix?
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Correct answerB. Onychia
Why this is correct: Onychia is correct because it means inflammation of the nail matrix. Onychophagy is wrong because it means nail biting. Onycholysis is wrong because it means separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. Pus around a nail does not by itself establish which structure is affected or identify this condition; concerning changes require appropriate clinical assessment.
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.