Which statement about the dermis is true?

• A. It is the outermost layer of skin
• B. It contains active blood supply and connective tissue
• C. It stores fat that cushions organs
• D. It is made of smooth muscle

Answer: (B)

The dermis provides structure and nourishment to the skin through an active blood supply and connective tissue. It contains blood vessels and nerves, plus collagen and elastin that give skin its strength and elasticity. This network supports the epidermis by delivering nutrients and removing wastes, and it houses hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. Fat storage happens in the layer beneath the dermis, the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue), not in the dermis. While there are small bundles of smooth muscle associated with hair follicles, the dermis itself is not composed of smooth muscle. Therefore, the statement that the dermis contains an active blood supply and connective tissue is true.