Which term describes the layer that protects the nail bed from bacteria and fungus?

The cuticle is the layer that protects the nail bed from bacteria and fungus. It serves as a barrier, creating a protective seal between the skin surrounding the nail and the actual nail itself. This barrier is crucial because it prevents harmful microorganisms from entering the nail bed, thus reducing the risk of infection.

In contrast, the nail plate is the hard, protective surface of the nail that you see and touch, but it does not provide direct protection to the underlying structures. The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix and does not play a direct role in protecting the nail bed. Lastly, the nail matrix is responsible for nail growth, but it is located beneath the cuticle and is not a protective layer itself. Each of these other components has a different function, but the cuticle is specifically intended to guard against external threats.