In which layer of the skin are capillaries located?

• A. Epidermis
• B. Dermis
• C. Hypodermis
• D. Stratum corneum

Answer: (B)

Capillaries are located in the dermis, the middle skin layer that houses a rich network of blood vessels to nourish the skin. The epidermis is avascular, so it relies on nutrients diffusing from the dermal vessels, while the stratum corneum—the outermost part of the epidermis—consists of dead cells and has no blood supply. The hypodermis (subcutaneous layer) contains larger vessels and fat, but the fine capillary beds that feed the epidermis reside in the dermis, especially in the superficial dermal layer near the epidermal-dermal junction.