Final answer:
The outermost layer of skin commonly called the cuticle is technically known as the epidermis. It is primarily composed of keratinocytes, which produce keratin and form a protective waterproof barrier at the surface of the skin. The epidermis also contains melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The outermost layer of the skin which is commonly called the cuticle or scarf skin is technically the epidermis. The epidermis is a protective layer composed primarily of epithelial cells, and unlike the layers beneath it, the epidermis lacks blood vessels, nerves, and other internal structures. It contains cells called keratinocytes which produce keratin, a tough, fibrous protein. As these cells mature, they move upwards and fill with keratin, eventually dying and forming a protective waterproof barrier on the surface of the skin. This layer, known as the stratum corneum, is constantly shed and replaced. The epidermis also contains melanocytes, which are responsible for producing melanin that gives skin its color.