Layer 5, also known as the Session Layer, is the fifth layer of the OSI model, which is a framework used to understand network communication. This layer is responsible for establishing, managing, and terminating sessions between applications. It ensures that data is properly synchronized and organized during communication, allowing for smooth interactions between different systems. In addition to managing sessions, Layer 5 also handles the exchange of information between applications, ensuring that data is sent and received in the correct order. This layer plays a crucial role in enabling services like remote procedure calls and file transfers, making it essential for effective network communication.