Which is the outermost layer of the skin?

Which is the outermost layer of the skin?

• A. Epidermis
• B. Dermis
• C. Hypodermis
• D. Subcutaneous

Answer: (A)

The outermost layer of the skin is the epidermis. It acts as the protective barrier, keeping moisture in and pathogens out. The epidermis is made up of keratinocytes that migrate from the deeper layers to the surface, where cells become flat and form the stratum corneum, eventually shedding. Because it sits on top of the dermis, it is largely avascular and relies on nutrients diffused from the layers below. Beneath the epidermis is the dermis, a thicker, supportive layer rich in collagen and elastin that provides strength, houses blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles. Deeper still is the hypodermis, also called subcutaneous tissue, which is mainly fat that cushions and insulates the body. So, the epidermis is the outermost layer, while the hypodermis/subcutaneous tissue sits deepest.

The outermost layer of the skin is the epidermis. It acts as the protective barrier, keeping moisture in and pathogens out. The epidermis is made up of keratinocytes that migrate from the deeper layers to the surface, where cells become flat and form the stratum corneum, eventually shedding. Because it sits on top of the dermis, it is largely avascular and relies on nutrients diffused from the layers below.

Beneath the epidermis is the dermis, a thicker, supportive layer rich in collagen and elastin that provides strength, houses blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles. Deeper still is the hypodermis, also called subcutaneous tissue, which is mainly fat that cushions and insulates the body.

So, the epidermis is the outermost layer, while the hypodermis/subcutaneous tissue sits deepest.