Attached at the base of the nail, under the skin and inside the mantle is the:

The structure that is attached at the base of the nail, under the skin, and inside the mantle is the nail root. The nail root is located beneath the cuticle and is essential for the growth of the nail. It contains cells that divide and produce the hard nail plate, which is visible above the skin. Understanding the function and location of the nail root is crucial for recognizing basic nail anatomy, as it plays a vital role in maintaining healthy nail growth.

In contrast, the nail matrix is responsible for nail growth and is located beneath the cuticle but is not the same as the nail root. The nail bed is the area of skin beneath the nail plate that supports it, while the nail plate is the hard, visible part of the nail that we see daily. Each component has a distinct role, but the nail root specifically refers to the area beneath the skin that supports the growth of the nail itself.