What are two key functions of the dermal layer?

The dermal layer, or dermis, serves several crucial functions, two of which are nourishment of the stratum basale and temperature regulation. The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis, where new skin cells are generated. The dermis contains blood vessels that supply these cells with essential nutrients and oxygen, allowing for healthy skin regeneration.

Temperature regulation is another critical function of the dermis. It contains a network of blood vessels that can dilate or constrict to control blood flow, thus regulating heat loss from the body. When the body needs to cool down, the blood vessels in the dermis expand, allowing more blood to flow near the surface of the skin, facilitating heat dissipation. Conversely, if the body needs to retain heat, those blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow to the skin's surface.

Other functions described in the other options, while important, do not specifically highlight the primary roles of the dermis in nourishing deeper skin layers and regulating body temperature. For instance, while insulation and cushioning are functions of subcutaneous tissue, the production of sweat is more related to glandular activity; furthermore, UV protection and hair growth support are primarily functions of the epidermis and associated structures rather than a direct role