What component allows nails to grow toward their free edge?

The correct answer is the bed epithelium, which plays a vital role in nail growth. This tissue provides a supportive interface between the nail matrix and the nail bed, facilitating the growth of the nail plate as it moves toward the free edge. The bed epithelium contains specialized cells that contribute to the formation of new nail cells, allowing the nail to extend as it grows.

While the nail matrix is crucial in the actual production of the cells that make up the nail, it is the bed epithelium that supports the structure and guides the nail's growth direction. The nail bed itself serves as the surface upon which the nail rests, but it is not directly responsible for the growth process. The cuticle, on the other hand, protects the matrix and the growing nail but does not influence growth direction. Understanding these distinct roles helps clarify why the bed epithelium is vital for nail growth toward the free edge.