American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which layer is not considered a layer of skin?

1. Dermis

2. Hypodermis

3. Subcutaneous Layer

4. Cutaneous

The correct answer is: Hypodermis

The hypodermis, often referred to as the subcutaneous layer, is not classified as a layer of skin in the strict sense. While it is located beneath the dermis and plays a crucial role in connecting the skin to underlying tissues and organs, it primarily consists of adipose tissue and connective tissues rather than being a layer of skin itself. The dermis and the epidermis are collectively regarded as the layers of skin. The cutaneous layer is another term for referring to the skin as a whole, which encompasses both the epidermis and the dermis. In this context, understanding the functional anatomy of the skin and its layers helps clarify why the hypodermis is distinctly recognized from the main structural layers of the skin.