Final answer:
The second layer of skin is called the dermis, which lies underneath the epidermis and consists of the papillary and reticular layers, housing many structures essential for skin function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second layer of skin is known as the dermis. This layer sits beneath the outermost layer, the epidermis, and above the subcutaneous layer, also known as the hypodermis, which is not actually part of the skin. The dermis provides structural support and is home to important structures such as blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands. It consists of two sublayers itself: the papillary layer and the reticular layer. The papillary layer contains the namesake papillae that interlock with the epidermis, and the reticular layer features a denser network of collagen and elastin fibers, offering elasticity and strength to the skin.