What are the three layers of the skin?

• A. Dermis, subcutaneous, epidermis
• B. Subcutaneous, epidermis, dermis
• C. Epidermis, Subcutaneous, Dermis
• D. Epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layer

Answer: (D)

Understanding the skin's structure helps with accurate assessment and treatment. The skin is organized from the outside in as the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis). The epidermis is the outer protective barrier that you can see and touch; beneath it, the dermis provides strength, sensation, and houses structures like blood vessels, nerves, and glands. The deepest layer is the subcutaneous tissue, rich in fat and connective tissue that cushions, insulates, and anchors the skin to underlying structures. So listing the layers from outside to inside as epidermis, dermis, then subcutaneous layer reflects the true order, making it the best answer. The other options mix up the sequence or place layers in the wrong order, which would not match how the skin is actually organized. Clinically, knowing which layer is involved helps determine burn depth and healing needs.