Which layer of the skin is thicker and contains connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves?

• A. Epidermis
• B. Hypodermis
• C. Dermis
• D. Cutaneous layer

Answer: (C)

Skin has multiple layers with different roles, and the layer that is thickest and rich in connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves is the dermis. The epidermis sits on top as a thin, protective barrier and contains no blood vessels, so it can’t be the thick, vascular layer described. The dermis is made of dense irregular connective tissue, which gives strength and elasticity, and it houses the extensive network of blood vessels and nerves that supply the skin and its structures like hair follicles and glands. Beneath the dermis lies the hypodermis (subcutaneous layer), which is mainly adipose tissue and larger vessels; it isn’t regarded as the skin’s main thick, vessel-filled layer. A term like cutaneous layer isn’t a standard distinct layer for this description. So the layer that matches the description is the dermis.