Oregon Written Tattoo Practice Test

Which layer of skin is primarily responsible for protection against UV rays?

1. Dermis

2. Epidermis

3. Subcutaneous Layer

4. Sebaceous Layer

The correct answer is: Epidermis

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and plays a crucial role in protecting the body from harmful environmental factors, including UV rays from the sun. It contains specialized cells called keratinocytes, which produce keratin, a protein that helps to create a barrier against external threats. Additionally, the epidermis contains melanocytes, which produce melanin—a pigment that provides some level of protection against UV radiation by absorbing and dissipating the rays. Increased exposure to UV rays can lead to skin damage, so the protective functions of the epidermis are vital for maintaining skin health and preventing conditions such as sunburn and skin cancer. While the dermis and subcutaneous layers contribute to overall skin health and structure, they do not specifically serve the primary protective role against UV rays like the epidermis does. Similarly, the sebaceous layer is associated with oil production for skin lubrication, and it does not play a significant part in UV protection. Thus, the epidermis stands out as the key layer responsible for shielding the skin from UV radiation.