Which layer of skin contains blood vessels and nerves?

The dermis is the layer of skin that contains blood vessels and nerves. This layer is situated beneath the epidermis and is crucial for providing support and nourishment to the skin. The presence of blood vessels in the dermis allows for the circulation of blood, which supplies nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells, while also helping to regulate temperature through the dilation and constriction of blood vessels.

Additionally, the dermis houses a complex network of nerves that provides the skin with its sensory functions, allowing us to perceive touch, pain, and temperature. This sensory feedback is essential for protection and interaction with our environment.

The epidermis, on the other hand, is the outermost layer that serves as a protective barrier, but it does not contain blood vessels or nerves. The hypodermis, located beneath the dermis, is primarily composed of fat and connective tissue, and while it can contain larger blood vessels and nerves, it is not classified as a layer of the skin in the same sense as the dermis and epidermis. The stratum corneum, being the outermost layer of the epidermis, is primarily made up of dead skin cells and is not involved in the blood and nerve supply.