Final answer:
Necrotizing fasciitis affects the deeper layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues, especially the deep fascia and superficial fascia within the hypodermis.
Therefore the correct answer is option a) Superficial fascia and muscle
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question is regarding necrotizing fasciitis (often abbreviated as nec fasc), which is a severe infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. The layers affected by this condition would be the deep fascia and subcutaneous tissue, which includes the superficial fascia within the hypodermis. However, it primarily targets the fascial planes between muscles, therefore, option (a) Superficial fascia and muscle is most consistent with necrotizing fasciitis.
This severe bacterial infection can spread rapidly and is a medical emergency. Diagnosis is typically based on physical examination and often further confirmed by diagnostic imaging or surgery.