Which layer contains blood vessels and nerves?

• A. Epidermis
• B. Subcutaneous Layer
• C. Dermis
• D. Cartilage

Answer: (C)

The layer that contains blood vessels and nerve endings is the dermis. The epidermis sits on top and has no blood vessels of its own, so it depends on diffusion from the dermal vessels for nutrients. The dermis houses a rich network of capillaries and sensory nerve endings, which supply the skin and enable sensation. It also contains structures like hair follicles and glands. The deeper subcutaneous layer has larger vessels and nerves and adipose tissue, but the dense vascular and neural network most closely associated with providing nourishment and sensation to the skin itself is in the dermis. Cartilage is not a skin layer and lacks its own blood supply.