cutikel

Cutikel is a Dutch term used for several protective outer layers in biology and medicine. In human anatomy, it commonly refers to the nail cuticle—the thin band of clear skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail. This tissue forms where the eponychium overlaps the nail plate and helps seal the new nail as it grows. In everyday care, the cutikel is sometimes pushed back or softened during manicures; aggressive cutting or tearing can cause irritation or infection, such as paronychia. Proper care emphasizes gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and minimal disturbance of the natural barrier.

A second major sense of cutikel is the plant cuticle, a waxy, protective coating that covers the epidermis of leaves, young stems, fruits, and other aerial parts. Composed mainly of cutin and embedded waxes, the cuticle reduces water loss and provides a barrier against pathogens. Its thickness and chemical makeup vary by species and environment, influencing transpiration, permeability, and surface properties. The cuticle develops as leaves mature and works in concert with stomata and surface microstructures to modulate gas exchange and light interaction.

In Dutch usage, cutikel can thus refer to either the nail-related boundary at the finger or toe, or to the plant’s cuticle, depending on context. The term derives from Latin cuticula, meaning a small skin, and reflects the common function of these layers as protective coverings.