Final answer:
The thin outer layer of the skin is called the epidermis. It is the outermost layer that forms a protective barrier against water and pathogens. It consists of tightly packed epithelial cells and does not contain any blood vessels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thin outer layer of the skin is called the epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and serves as a protective barrier against water and pathogens. It is made up of tightly packed epithelial cells and does not contain any blood vessels. The epidermis is thinner than the inner layer of skin called the dermis, and it varies in thickness across different parts of the body.