Which layer of skin is primarily damaged when a hair is forcibly pulled out of the skin?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of the skin, which consists of three main layers: the epidermis (outermost layer), dermis (middle layer), and hypodermis (innermost layer). Each layer has distinct functions and components.
2. Recognize that hair follicles are located in the dermis layer of the skin. The dermis contains connective tissue, blood vessels, nerve endings, and structures like sebaceous glands and hair follicles.
3. When a hair is forcibly pulled out, the damage primarily occurs in the dermis because the hair follicle is embedded in this layer. The act of pulling disrupts the follicle and surrounding tissue.
4. The epidermis, which is the outermost layer, may experience minor disruption during the pulling process, but the primary damage is deeper in the dermis where the follicle resides.
5. The hypodermis, which is primarily composed of fat and connective tissue, is not directly involved in the damage caused by pulling out a hair, as it lies beneath the dermis and does not house hair follicles.