Which set correctly lists the three main layers of the skin?

• A. Epidermis, Dermis, Hypodermis
• B. Epidermis, Dermis, Stratum corneum
• C. Dermis, Hypodermis, Subcutaneous
• D. Epidermis, Hypodermis, Subcutaneous

Answer: (A)

Think of the skin as three main layers from outside to inside: the epidermis on the outside, the dermis in the middle, and the hypodermis (also called subcutaneous tissue) beneath. The epidermis provides protection and a barrier; its outer portion includes the stratum corneum, but that is a sublayer within the epidermis, not a separate main layer. The dermis contains the structural support like collagen, as well as blood vessels, nerves, and glands. The hypodermis anchors the skin to underlying tissues and stores fat for insulation and energy. The other choices either treat the epidermis sublayers as separate main layers or use redundant or nonstandard terms, which misses one of the actual three layers. So the correct trio is epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.