Final answer:
The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin, composed of closely packed epithelial cells. It consists of several layers, including the stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale. The dermis is the inner layer of the skin, made up of tough connective tissue and contains blood vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, and sensory receptors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The epidermis and dermis are the two main layers of the skin. The epidermis is the outer layer, composed of closely packed epithelial cells. It is made up of several layers, including the stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale.
The stratum corneum is the topmost layer of the epidermis and is responsible for providing protection to the underlying layers. The stratum lucidum is found only in thick skin, such as the palms and soles of the feet. The stratum granulosum plays a role in skin barrier function. The stratum spinosum is involved in cell communication and immune response. The stratum basale is the deepest layer and contains the cells responsible for constant renewal of the epidermis.
The dermis is the inner layer of the skin, consisting mainly of tough connective tissue. It contains blood vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, and sensory receptors. The dermis is made up of two main layers: the papillary layer and the reticular layer. The papillary layer is closer to the epidermis and contains smaller blood vessels, while the reticular layer is deeper and contains larger blood vessels and collagen fibers. The dermis provides strength and elasticity to the skin and also houses various skin structures.