Which skin layer contains blood vessels and nerves?

The dermis is the skin layer that contains blood vessels and nerves, which are essential for various functions in the skin. This layer resides beneath the epidermis and provides structural support and nourishment through its vascular network. The presence of blood vessels in the dermis helps regulate temperature and deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, while the nerve endings are responsible for sensation, allowing the skin to detect changes in the environment, such as pressure, pain, and temperature.

In contrast, the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, is primarily composed of epithelial cells and does not contain blood vessels or nerves. It relies on diffusion from the underlying dermis for nutrient and waste exchange. The hypodermis, located beneath the dermis, is primarily made up of adipose tissue and connective tissue, serving as a cushion and energy reserve, but it is not classified as a layer of the skin itself in the same way as the dermis and epidermis. The stratum corneum is a specific layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead keratinized cells, and also lacks blood vessels and nerves.