Which skin layer contains blood vessels and nerve endings?

The dermis is the layer of skin that contains blood vessels and nerve endings. Positioned beneath the outermost layer, the epidermis, the dermis is crucial for providing structural support and nourishment to the skin. It is made up of a dense network of collagen and elastin fibers, which give the skin its strength and elasticity. Within the dermis, blood vessels are essential for transporting oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells and aiding in temperature regulation. Additionally, nerve endings in the dermis are responsible for the sense of touch, pressure, and pain, making this layer vital for sensory perception.

In contrast, the hypodermis serves primarily as a cushioning layer and energy reserve, and it does not contain as many blood vessels or nerve endings as the dermis. The stratum corneum and stratum granulosum are both parts of the epidermis; the stratum corneum is the outermost layer, comprised of dead, flattened skin cells that provide a protective barrier, while the stratum granulosum is a deeper layer where the cells begin to keratinize and die. Neither of these epidermal layers houses blood vessels or nerve endings, which further highlights the unique role of the dermis in maintaining the skin's function