Final answer:
The correct order of the skin layers from the surface to the underlying tissues is epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissues (hypodermis). The epidermis is the protective outer layer, the dermis contains support structures, and the hypodermis attaches the skin to underlying structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The layers of the skin, in order from the surface to the underlying muscle or tissue, are the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissues also known as the hypodermis. The epidermis is the outer layer composed of closely packed epithelial cells and serves as a barrier to water and pathogens. Below it is the dermis, which is made of dense, irregular connective tissue and contains various structures such as blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The final and deepest layer is the subcutaneous tissue, or hypodermis, primarily made up of loose connective and fatty tissues, and it attaches the skin to the underlying bone and muscle while providing nerves and blood vessels to the dermis. Therefore, the correct order is epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissues.