The outermost layer of the skin that acts as the primary barrier to diffusion is the:

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Multiple Choice

The outermost layer of the skin that acts as the primary barrier to diffusion is the:

Explanation:
The barrier to diffusion shown here is the stratum corneum. This outermost portion of the epidermis is made up of dead keratin-filled cells (corneocytes) surrounded by a lipid-rich matrix, creating a dense “brick-and-mortar” structure that greatly limits water loss and the penetration of substances. The epidermis as a whole sits atop the dermis, while the hypodermis lies beneath as fat; neither of those layers provides the same diffusion barrier as the stratum corneum. So, among the options, the stratum corneum best explains the primary barrier to diffusion.

The barrier to diffusion shown here is the stratum corneum. This outermost portion of the epidermis is made up of dead keratin-filled cells (corneocytes) surrounded by a lipid-rich matrix, creating a dense “brick-and-mortar” structure that greatly limits water loss and the penetration of substances. The epidermis as a whole sits atop the dermis, while the hypodermis lies beneath as fat; neither of those layers provides the same diffusion barrier as the stratum corneum. So, among the options, the stratum corneum best explains the primary barrier to diffusion.

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