Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels and nerves?

The correct answer is the dermis, as this layer of the skin is situated beneath the epidermis and is rich in various structures, including blood vessels and nerves. The dermis plays a crucial role in providing nutrients to the epidermis through its blood vessels and houses nerve endings that contribute to the sense of touch, pressure, and pain.

The epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin, does not contain blood vessels; it relies on the dermis for its nutrient supply. The subcutaneous layer, or hypodermis, lies beneath the dermis and primarily consists of fat and connective tissue, serving as a buffer and insulator rather than directly interacting with blood vessels and nerve supply in the manner the dermis does. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis and is composed of dead skin cells that provide a barrier but again lacks the blood vessels and nerves found in the dermis. This understanding of skin layers is essential for comprehending their respective functions and interrelationships.