The layer beneath the dermis is called the __. ?
A epidermis
B subdermis
C sebaceous layer
D subcutaneous layer
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. subcutaneous layer.
The subcutaneous layer, also known as the hypodermis, lies beneath the dermis. It is the deepest layer of the skin and primarily consists of loose connective tissue and fat cells. This layer plays a critical role in protecting the body, providing insulation, and acting as an energy reservoir. The fat in the subcutaneous layer helps to maintain body temperature by acting as an insulator, preventing heat loss to the environment. Additionally, it serves as a cushion to protect the underlying muscles and bones from physical trauma.
The subcutaneous layer also plays a role in anchoring the skin to the underlying structures, such as muscles and bones. This layer contains larger blood vessels and nerves, which supply nutrients and carry away waste products from the skin. It also plays a role in the body’s immune response, as it contains immune cells that help fight infections.
In contrast, the epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, providing a barrier to environmental damage, such as bacteria and chemicals. The dermis, which lies just beneath the epidermis, is where the skin’s appendages, such as hair follicles and sweat glands, are found. The sebaceous layer is not a term typically used to describe a distinct layer of skin. However, sebaceous glands, which produce sebum (an oily substance), are found in the dermis and help keep the skin moisturized.
Thus, the subcutaneous layer serves essential functions, including insulation, cushioning, and facilitating the delivery of nutrients to the skin, while also being crucial for the body’s overall protective mechanisms.