What is subcutaneous fascia also known as?

Subcutaneous fascia is commonly referred to as the hypodermis. This layer is located beneath the dermis, which is the primary layer of skin. The hypodermis primarily consists of loose connective tissue and fat, playing a crucial role in insulating the body, absorbing shocks, and providing structural support to the skin.

It serves as a conduit for blood vessels and nerves from the skin to the deeper structures of the body, including muscles and bones. This tissue also enables the skin to move independently from the underlying structures, which is essential for flexibility and mobility.

The dermis and epidermis are both layers of the skin above the hypodermis, while the mesoderm refers to a germ layer in the developing embryo that contributes to the formation of connective tissue, muscular tissue, and the circulatory system, rather than being a layer of the skin itself. Therefore, hypodermis is the accurate term that corresponds to subcutaneous fascia, as it encapsulates its structural and functional properties.