Which statement about the skin is true?

• A. The skin has two major layers.
• B. The subcutaneous tissue is the outermost layer.
• C. The skin consists of three major layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.
• D. The skin is not the largest organ.

Answer: (C)

The skin is organized into three major layers: the outermost epidermis, a middle dermis, and a deeper subcutaneous tissue (also called the hypodermis). The epidermis provides the protective barrier and is continually renewed. The dermis lies beneath it and contains connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands, giving skin strength and elasticity. The subcutaneous tissue below the dermis is largely fat that cushions, insulates, and helps anchor the skin to underlying structures. This three-layer arrangement is why the statement is true. The subcutaneous layer is not the outermost layer, and there are three layers rather than two. Also, the skin is the body's largest organ by surface area and weight, so saying it is not the largest would be incorrect.