Which layer of the skin contains the majority of sweat glands and hair follicles?

• A. The epidermis
• B. The dermis
• C. The hypodermis
• D. The stratum corneum

Answer: (B)

This question tests your knowledge of where skin structures are located within the skin layers. The dermis is the middle, thick connective tissue layer beneath the epidermis. It houses hair follicles and the sweat glands (eccrine and apocrine), along with blood vessels and nerves. Hair follicles actually extend from the epidermis down into the dermis, and sweat glands coil within this layer. The epidermis is the outer, avascular layer made of keratinocytes, with the topmost part called the stratum corneum. The hypodermis lies beneath the dermis and is mainly fat and connective tissue, not where these glands and follicles are concentrated. Therefore, the dermis contains the majority of sweat glands and hair follicles.