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Which layer of human skin forms the outer protective barrier?
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human skin
Human skin, whose cells are generated continuously by the body, serves as a protective barrier between the inside of the human body and the environment.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of human skin and serves as the body's primary protective barrier. Within the epidermis, the specific structure that forms this outer protective shield is the stratum corneum, also known as the horny layer.12
This layer is composed of flattened, dead keratin-filled cells that have migrated outward from the basal layer. By providing a mechanical barrier, the stratum corneum protects the body from water loss and external threats, such as infection. These cells are constantly shed and renewed from the living layers beneath, ensuring the integrity of the skin's surface.134