Which layer of the skin is primarily responsible for sensation?

The dermis is primarily responsible for sensation in the skin due to its rich supply of nerve endings and specialized sensory receptors. This layer contains a variety of structures, including Meissner's corpuscles, which are sensitive to light touch, and Pacinian corpuscles, which respond to pressure and vibration. These receptors relay sensory information to the brain, allowing us to perceive tactile stimuli.

While the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin, does contain some nerve endings, it is primarily involved in providing a barrier and protecting underlying tissues. The hypodermis, or subcutaneous tissue, serves mostly to insulate the body and anchor the skin to underlying structures, while the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, is composed of dead, flattened skin cells that do not have sensory functions. Thus, the dermis plays the central role in the skin's sensory perception.