What layer of the skin consists of stratified layers including a horny layer and forms the thin outer surface?

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

Answer: (B)

The epidermis is the outermost skin layer made of several strata, with the topmost portion called the stratum corneum, or horny layer. This horny layer consists of flattened dead cells that create a protective barrier and give the skin its thin outer surface. Deeper, the dermis provides structural support with connective tissue, blood vessels, and various glands, while beneath it lies the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue) made mainly of fat. Because the thin outer surface and the layered structure including the horny layer are features of the epidermis, that is the correct layer.