Final answer:
The correct sequence of skin layers from superficial to deep is A) Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis. The outermost epidermis serves as a protective barrier, the denser dermis contains various skin structures, and the deep hypodermis connects the skin to underlying tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
When placing the skin's layers in order from superficial to deep, the correct sequence is A) Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin in mammals and acts as a barrier to water and pathogens. Directly beneath it is the dermis, which is thicker and contains various structures such as blood vessels, sweat glands, and hair follicles. The hypodermis, also known as subcutaneous tissue, is the deepest layer. It consists of fatty tissue, blood vessels, connective tissue, and sensory neuron axons, anchoring the skin to underlying bones and muscles.
It's important to understand that the hypodermis is not part of the skin but rather a layer that connects it to the rest of the body. As for the layers of the epidermis itself, from the outer surface inward, they are the stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale. The dermis has two layers –the papillary layer and reticular layer - and interlocks with the epidermis through the basement membrane. The dermis provides nutrition to the epidermis and supports it structurally.