The outer layer of the skin

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

Answer: (B)

The epidermis is the protective, outermost layer of the skin. It forms the barrier that keeps pathogens out, reduces water loss, and shields underlying tissues from injury. Below it lies the dermis, the middle layer that contains connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles. Beneath the dermis is the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue), which is mainly fat and connective tissue that anchors the skin to deeper structures. Because the dermis is the middle layer and the hypodermis sits underneath, they are not the outermost layer.