Pathogenic Microorganisms of the Skin: Structure, Defenses, and Infectious Diseases

Which layer of the skin is primarily responsible for providing structural support and contains a rich matrix of fibroblast cells, collagen, macrophages, and mast cells?

Which of the following is a major defense mechanism of the skin that acts by disrupting the negatively charged membranes of bacteria?

A patient presents with a raised, red, tender lesion that is hot to the touch and contains pus. The lesion is localized around a hair follicle. Which organism is most likely responsible for this infection?