Anatomy of Toenail The average growth rate of toenails is about 1 mm a month. The rounded shape of the free edge of the nails is dictated by the shape of the lunula. After avulsion of a nail, the free edge of the new one grows parallel to the lunula. Dorsal nail plate, Proximal nail fold, Section of toe, Cross section of toenail, Toenail growth, Cuticle Lunula, Lateral nail fold, Nail plate, Free edge of nail, Distal groove, Nail matrix, Fibrous attachments of bone, Distal phalanx of great toe, Hyponychium, Eponychium, Lateral nail groove, Distal phalanx of great toe, Intermediate nail plate, Ventral nail plate, Fibrous attachment of bones