Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels and nerves?

The dermis is the layer of the skin that contains blood vessels and nerves. It is situated beneath the epidermis and plays a crucial role in supporting the skin's structure, regulating temperature, and providing sensation. This layer includes connective tissue, which houses not only blood vessels and nerve endings but also hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands.

The blood vessels in the dermis are essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin and play a vital role in thermoregulation. Meanwhile, nerve endings provide the sensory feedback necessary for the body to react to environmental stimuli such as touch, pressure, pain, and temperature changes.

In contrast, the epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and does not contain blood vessels or nerves; it primarily serves to provide a protective barrier. The subcutis, or hypodermis, is located beneath the dermis and mainly consists of fat and connective tissue, providing insulation and cushioning for underlying structures. The stratum corneum, a part of the epidermis, is the outermost layer made up of dead skin cells that contribute to barrier protection, but it also has no blood vessels or nerves. Therefore, the dermis is the correct choice due to its complex structure and vital