Which term means the outermost layer of the skin?

• A. Dermis
• B. Hypodermis
• C. Epidermis
• D. Stratum Corneum

Answer: (C)

The outermost layer of the skin is the epidermis. It forms the visible surface and lies above the dermis, with the hypodermis beneath. Within the epidermis, the very top portion is the stratum corneum, composed of dead keratinized cells, but the term for the entire outer skin surface is epidermis, not stratum corneum. This structure provides the barrier that protects against water loss and environmental exposure, while the dermis beneath it contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves, and the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue) lies deeper still.