The OSI Model, or Open Systems Interconnection Model, is a conceptual framework that is used to understand and implement network communications. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and serves as a guide for designing and understanding the complex interactions that occur in network systems. The OSI Model is divided into seven distinct layers, each with its own specific functions and protocols. These layers are:

1. **Physical Layer**: This is the lowest layer of the OSI Model and is responsible for the physical connection between devices. It deals with the transmission and reception of raw bit streams over a physical medium, such as cables, switches, and other hardware components.

2. **Data Link Layer**: This layer is responsible for node-to-node data transfer and error detection and correction. It ensures that data is transferred reliably across the physical link by organizing it into frames and managing access to the physical medium.

3. **Network Layer**: The network layer is responsible for routing data packets across multiple networks. It determines the best path for data to travel from the source to the destination and handles logical addressing through IP addresses.

4. **Transport Layer**: This layer provides end-to-end communication services for applications. It is responsible for data flow control, error detection and correction, and ensuring complete data transfer. Protocols like TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) operate at this layer.

5. **Session Layer**: The session layer manages sessions or connections between applications. It establishes, maintains, and terminates communication sessions, ensuring that data exchange is properly synchronized and organized.

6. **Presentation Layer**: This layer is responsible for data translation, encryption, and compression. It ensures that data is presented in a readable format for the application layer, handling differences in data representation between systems.

7. **Application Layer**: The topmost layer of the OSI Model, the application layer, provides network services directly to end-user applications. It facilitates communication between software applications and the network, supporting protocols like HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and more.

By dividing network communication into these seven layers, the OSI Model helps standardize network functions, making it easier for different systems and technologies to communicate with each other. It also aids in troubleshooting network issues by allowing network administrators to isolate problems to specific layers.