Which layer of skin contains blood vessels and nerve endings?

The dermis is the layer of skin that contains blood vessels and nerve endings. This layer lies beneath the epidermis and is much thicker, providing structural support and nourishment to the skin. The presence of blood vessels in the dermis is crucial for supplying oxygen and nutrients to both the dermis and the overlying epidermis, which is avascular and relies on diffusion for nourishment.

In addition to blood vessels, the dermis houses various sensory nerve endings that are responsible for detecting environmental stimuli such as touch, pain, and temperature. This makes the dermis vital not only for the physical integrity of the skin but also for sensory perception.

The epidermis, on the other hand, is the outermost layer of skin and does not contain blood vessels or nerve endings. The hypodermis, which lies beneath the dermis, primarily contains fat and connective tissue and also does not have a significant number of nerve endings or blood vessels compared to the dermis. Lastly, the stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting primarily of dead skin cells, and therefore lacks any blood vessels or nerve endings as well. Thus, the dermis is uniquely characterized by the presence of blood vessels and nerve endings, making it