The nail bed is the area directly under the nail plate and consists of two structures: the nail bed epithelium and the underlying dermis. The nail bed epithelium is epithelial tissue and is extremely sticky, gluing itself onto the underside of the nail plate, and holding it in place. The dermis beneath it holds onto the nail bed epithelium by having a series of interlocking ridges and grooves which allow the nail plate to smoothly grow while ensuring it is firmly held in place. The dermis of the nail bed has a rich supply of blood, sebaceous glands and lymph vessels to keep the nail plate healthy and moisturised.