The Function of the Skin A human consists of organs, glands, bones, and muscles, all covered and held in place by the skin. Lying directly above the muscles and under the skin is a layer of fatty tissue known as the hypodermis or subcutaneous layer. The skin consists of two main sections: the dermis and the epidermis. Layer. The skin consists of two main sections: the dermis and the epidermis. The dermis is the main body of the skin. It is made of connective tissue, which, in turn, is connected by a basement membrane to the epidermis. The epidermis forms five distinct layers of epithelial tissue that comprise the skin's surface.