Which layer of skin contains blood vessels and nerves?

The dermis is the layer of skin that contains blood vessels and nerves, making it crucial for the overall function of the skin. It is located beneath the epidermis and above the subcutaneous tissue. The presence of blood vessels in the dermis is vital for providing nutrients to the skin and regulating temperature. Nerves within this layer are responsible for sensory perception, allowing us to feel sensations such as touch, pressure, pain, and temperature.

The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is primarily made up of keratinized cells and does not contain blood vessels or nerves; instead, it receives nutrients through diffusion from the dermis. The subcutaneous layer, or hypodermis, primarily consists of fat and connective tissue and serves as insulation and energy storage but is not responsible for containing blood vessels and nerves in the same context as the dermis. The term "superficial" typically describes a position rather than a specific layer and does not refer to a distinct anatomical layer of the skin. Therefore, the dermis is recognized as the skin layer that fulfills the requirement for containing blood vessels and nerve endings.