Permanent distortions of a natural nail can occur if which part of the nail is injured?

Permanent distortions of a natural nail are primarily associated with injuries to the matrix. The matrix is the tissue located beneath the base of the nail (at the nail root) and is responsible for the growth of the nail plate. It produces new cells which push older cells forward to form the visible portion of the nail. If the matrix is damaged, the formation of new nail cells can be disrupted, leading to irregularities in nail shape, thickness, or even separation from the nail bed.

This contrasts with injuries to other parts of the nail. The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail, and while injury to this area can cause temporary pain and sensitivity, it typically does not affect the nail's growth after healing. The cuticle serves as a protective barrier but does not influence the nail's internal structure or growth. The lunula, which is the visible part of the matrix at the base of the nail, can indicate health but is not where the nail itself is formed. Thus, damage to the matrix stands out as the key factor leading to lasting alterations in the natural nail's appearance.