Oregon Written Tattoo Practice Test

What is the outer layer of the skin called?

1. Dermis

2. Subcutaneous Layer

3. Epidermis

4. Sebaceous Layer

The correct answer is: Epidermis

The outer layer of the skin is referred to as the epidermis. This layer is crucial as it serves as the body’s first line of defense against environmental factors such as pathogens, chemicals, and physical abrasions. The epidermis is composed primarily of keratinocytes, which produce keratin, a protein that helps strengthen the skin and make it waterproof. Additionally, the epidermis plays a significant role in the process of skin cell turnover, in which old skin cells are shed and replaced by new ones, thereby maintaining skin health and appearance. It also contains melanocytes, which are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that determines skin color and provides some protection against UV radiation. The other choices describe different layers of the skin or related structures: the dermis is located underneath the epidermis and contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue; the subcutaneous layer lies beneath the dermis and consists of fat and connective tissue; while the sebaceous layer refers to the glands that produce oil and are associated with hair follicles, rather than a skin layer itself.