Which skin layer contains blood vessels and lies beneath the epidermis?

• A. Epidermis
• B. Pore
• C. Dermis
• D. Hair (Shaft)

Answer: (C)

The main idea is understanding where skin gets its blood supply. The layer beneath the outermost surface that contains a network of blood vessels is the dermis. This vascular network delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin, supports temperature regulation, and also houses nerves, sweat glands, oil glands, and hair follicles, making the skin resilient and responsive.

Why this is the best answer: the dermis sits directly under the epidermis and provides the circulatory support that the epidermis itself cannot, since the epidermis is avascular and relies on diffusion from dermal vessels for nutrients and waste removal.

Why the other options don’t fit: the epidermis is the outermost layer and lacks blood vessels, so it cannot contain a blood supply. a pore is not a skin layer but an opening associated with glands or follicles. the hair shaft is a part of the hair that extends outward and is supported by structures in the dermis, but it is not the skin layer that contains blood vessels itself.