Final answer:
The subcutaneous layer, also known as the hypodermis, provides cushioning, insulation, and acts as a shock absorber for the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Subcutaneous Layer as a Cushion
The layer of the skin that provides cushioning to the body, which insulates and acts as a shock absorber, is the d. subcutaneous layer. This layer is also known as the hypodermis and is located below the epidermis and dermis. It consists of a fatty layer that contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and axons of sensory neurons. The subcutaneous layer serves several functions including the attachment of the dermis to underlying bone and muscle, supplying nerves and blood vessels to the dermis, and acting as a major site of energy storage in the form of fats.
The Dermis
While the subcutaneous layer provides cushioning and insulation, the dermis lies directly above it and is a different component of the skin. It serves its own set of functions including housing blood vessels, sweat glands, hair follicles, lymph vessels, and sebaceous glands which play a role in skin sensation, thermoregulation and protection. The reticular layer of the dermis, in particular, is responsible for the skin's strength and elasticity, thanks to its dense network of collagen and elastin fibers.