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Which skin layer is protective and waterproof?

  1. Epidermis

  2. Dermis

  3. Subcutaneous tissue

  4. Cuticle

The correct answer is: Epidermis

The skin has three main layers - epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Epidermis is the superficial layer designed to be protective and prevent water loss, therefore it is the most waterproof layer compared to dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The dermis provides structural support and nourishment to the skin, while the subcutaneous tissue acts as insulation for the body. The cuticle is a layer found on the surface of plants and insects, not on human skin. Therefore, the correct answer is the epidermis.