Final answer:
The superficial layer of the skin, the epidermis, is composed of tightly packed epithelial cells and is closer to the surface, while the deeper layer, the dermis, is thicker and contains structures like blood vessels and hair follicles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between the deeper and superficial layers of the skin relates to their anatomical position and composition. Superficial describes a position closer to the surface of the body, such as the skin, while deep indicates a position farther from the surface, like the brain relative to the skull. Our skin specifically consists of two primary layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer, made of tightly packed epithelial cells, with layers such as the stratum basale and the stratum corneum. The dermis, however, is thicker and lies beneath the epidermis, housing vital structures like blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands. It also contains the dermal papillae, which strengthen the connection between the epidermis and dermis.