The protective layer of cells of the outer epidermis is called the

Stratum Corneum

Epidermis. The epidermis is the thin outer layer of the skin. It consists of 3 types of cells: Squamous cells. The outermost layer is continuously shed is called the stratum corneum

Explanation:

stratum corneum

The epidermis has no blood supply and depends on diffusion from the dermal cells for its metabolic needs. The dead-cell layer of the stratum corneum provides the protection from water loss that allows vertebrates to dwell on land

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