eponychium

1. (anatomy) The thickened layer of skin adjoining fingernails and toenails, particularly at the base of the nail.Examples: "The nail is replaced to provide a physiologic dressing and to splint open the eponychium so that a new nail will grow in place."; "The cuticle (KYOO-tih-kul) is the crescent of dead, colorless tissue attached to the nail plate around the base of the nail. It forms a seal between the eponychium and the nail plate to prevent the entry of foreign materials and microorganisms and to help prevent injury and infection."; "Every nail has a lunula, but some lunulas are short and remain hidden under the eponychium."Synonyms: medial nail fold, proximal nail fold

2. (zoology, veterinary medicine) The protective capsule that surrounds the hoof of foetuses and neonates of hoofed animals, which disappears soon after birth, but remnants of which remain as part of the permanent hoof.Examples: "The hooves are tipped with collagenous eponychia, which prevents damage to the amnion and beyond."; "2014, Kevin T. Corley, Jonna M. Jokisolo, Chapter 172: Evaluation of the Compromised Neonatal Foal, Kim A. Sprayberry, N. Edward Robinson, Robinson's Current Therapy in Equine Medicine, 7th Edition, page 720, The presence of eponychium (also called “foal slippers”) on the feet (Figure 172-3) is indicative that the foal has not yet stood."; "In ungulates, this is apparently exaggerated by the presence of the eponychia, or collagenous pads over the sole of the fetal hoof."