Which layer of skin contains blood vessels and nerves?

The dermis is the correct answer because it is the layer of skin situated beneath the epidermis and is rich in blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. This layer plays a crucial role in providing structural support to the skin and contains important components such as sweat glands, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands, in addition to the blood vessels and nerve endings.

The presence of blood vessels in the dermis is essential for supplying nutrients to the skin and aiding in thermoregulation through the regulation of blood flow. Nerves within this layer are responsible for sensory functions, allowing for the perception of touch, pain, and temperature. This complex structure makes the dermis vital for skin health and overall physiological function.

In contrast, the epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and is primarily composed of keratinized cells, providing a protective barrier, but it lacks blood vessels and nerves. The subcutaneous layer, often referred to as the hypodermis, lies beneath the dermis and mainly consists of adipose tissue and larger blood vessels and nerves, but it is not considered a part of the skin itself.