What is the correct order of skin layers from outermost to innermost?

The correct order of skin layers from outermost to innermost is indeed demonstrated in the second choice. The skin is primarily composed of two main layers: the epidermis and the dermis, with the epidermis further divided into several distinct strata.

The outermost layer is the stratum corneum, which consists of dead, flattened skin cells that provide a protective barrier against environmental hazards and helps maintain hydration. Beneath the stratum corneum is the stratum lucidum, a thin, clear layer typically found only in areas of thick skin, such as the palms and soles. Following this is the stratum granulosum, where the cells begin to lose their nuclei and start the process of keratinization, ultimately leading to the formation of the stratum corneum. Finally, the innermost layer is the stratum germinativum (or stratum basale), where active cell division takes place, producing new skin cells and contributing to the continuous renewal of the skin.

In summary, this order accurately reflects the progression from the outermost protective barrier to the inner layer responsible for generating new cells, thereby maintaining the skin's integrity and function.