Palm of hand. Light micrograph of a section through human skin from the palm of a hand. The outer layer (top layer) is known as the epidermis and consists of layers of keratinized cells, which makes the skin tougher. Beneath the epidermis is the dermis (middle and bottom layers), which is composed of connective tissue. The dermis contains many structures including pain and touch receptors. The hypodermis (bottom, white) is a layer of adipose and connective tissues. Its functions include connecting the dermis to underlying organs. Mag: x23 when 10cm wide.