Final answer:
The skin consists of three primary layers: the epidermis (external protective barrier), the dermis (contains various structures like blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands), and the subcutaneous tissue or hypodermis (composed of connective tissue and fat for insulation and cushioning).
Step-by-step explanation:
The Three Main Layers of Skin
The skin is a complex organ and forms the main part of the integumentary system. It is composed of three primary layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue also known as the hypodermis.
Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, made up of closely packed epithelial cells. This layer serves as the main barrier against the environment and is responsible for skin tone.
Dermis
Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, which is a thicker layer made of dense, irregular connective tissue. It contains an array of structures including blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
Hypodermis
The deepest layer is the subcutaneous tissue or hypodermis, which consists mainly of loose connective tissue and fat. It provides insulation and cushioning for the body.