The layer of skin responsible for sensory reception and vascular supply is the

• A. Epidermis
• B. Dermis
• C. Subcutaneous layer
• D. Hair shaft

Answer: (B)

The dermis is the layer that provides sensory reception and vascular supply. It sits beneath the outer epidermis and above the subcutaneous tissue. This middle layer is rich in nerve endings and specialized receptors that detect touch, pressure, vibration, and temperature, giving the skin its sense of feel. It also contains an extensive network of blood vessels—arterioles, venules, and capillaries—that deliver nutrients and oxygen to the skin and help regulate body temperature.

By contrast, the epidermis is the outer protective barrier and is largely avascular, receiving nutrients by diffusion from the dermis. The subcutaneous layer (hypodermis) mainly stores fat and acts as insulation and padding, not the primary site of sensory receptors. The hair shaft is part of the hair that extends through the skin and is not itself the site responsible for sensory reception or vascular supply; sensation related to hair is mediated by nerves around the hair follicle in the dermis.