The integument consists of the epidermis, which is composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, and the __________, which is composed of connective tissue proper.
The answer is Dermis.
The dermis is the middle layer of skin. The dermis has two layers. One is the papillary layer which is the superficial layer and consists of the areolar connective tissue. The other is the reticular layer which is the deep layer of the dermis and consists of the dense irregular connective tissue. These layers serve to give elasticity to the integument.