What is the outermost layer of the skin called?

The outermost layer of the skin is called the epidermis. This layer serves as the primary barrier between the body and the external environment, providing protection against environmental hazards such as pathogens, chemicals, and physical abrasions. The epidermis is composed of several layers of cells, with the most superficial being the stratum corneum, which consists of dead keratinized cells that have moved up from deeper layers.

In the context of skin structure, the epidermis does not include the dermis or hypodermis. The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve endings, while the hypodermis (or subcutaneous layer) is a deeper layer that primarily serves to anchor the skin to underlying tissues and store fat. Therefore, the epidermis is properly identified as the outermost layer of the skin, playing a crucial role in shielding the body and facilitating the process of skin regeneration.