American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What are the two main layers that make up the human skin?

1. Dermis and Epidermis

2. Epidermis and Hypodermis

3. Dermis and Hypodermis

4. Stratum and Basale

The correct answer is: Dermis and Epidermis

The two main layers that make up the human skin are the dermis and the epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer and serves as a protective barrier for the body, containing cells that produce keratin, which helps waterproof the skin. Meanwhile, the dermis lies beneath the epidermis and contains connective tissues, hair follicles, glands, and blood vessels. It provides strength, elasticity, and nourishment to the skin, facilitating the support and functionality of the epidermal layer. In contrast, the hypodermis, while important, is not considered one of the main layers of the skin itself. It is a deeper layer that consists mainly of fat and connective tissue, serving as insulation and energy storage, and it supports the dermis but is not classified as skin. The terms stratum and basale refer to specific layers within the epidermis, rather than the major layers that make up the skin structure. Therefore, the answer referencing the dermis and epidermis accurately identifies the primary layers comprising human skin.