Dermis contains

• A. Barrier to the outside world
• B. Stores fat to cushion organs
• C. Contains active blood supply and connective tissue
• D. Is the outermost layer

Answer: (C)

The dermis is the skin’s life-supporting, vascular layer. It contains an active blood supply—networks of capillaries and vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin and to the overlying epidermis—and a dense connective tissue matrix made mainly of collagen and elastin produced by fibroblasts. This combination gives the skin its strength, elasticity, and the ability to support structures like nerves, glands, and hair follicles. The barrier to the outside world is the epidermis, not the dermis, and fat storage for cushioning is in the layer beneath the dermis (the subcutaneous tissue). So the statement that the dermis contains active blood supply and connective tissue best describes this layer.