Which skin layer provides strength and elasticity through dense connective tissue?

• A. Epidermis
• B. Dermis
• C. Hypodermis
• D. Stratum lucidum

Answer: (B)

Strength and elasticity come from the dense connective tissue that makes up the dermis. This middle skin layer is structured with dense irregular connective tissue rich in collagen fibers, which gives tensile strength to resist tearing, and elastin fibers, which allow the skin to stretch and snap back. The epidermis above it is a protective epithelial layer without a fibrous network, while the hypodermis beneath mostly stores fat and anchors skin to underlying structures. Stratum lucidum is part of the epidermis, not a connective-tissue layer. So the dermis is the layer that provides both strength and elasticity.