Cosmetologists should have a thorough understanding of nail structure and growth because

a. They must be able to differentiate between the nail cuticle and the eponychium before performing nail services
b. Understanding natural nail structure and growth prepares cosmetologists for advanced nail services
c. Parts of the nail matrix begin to permanently reduce production of new cells as a result of aging
d. The cuticle is the dead tissue stuck to the nail plate, whereas the eponychium is the living skin under the proximal nail fold found at the nail plates base covering the matrix area.