Which layer of the skin is considered the true skin and houses sweat and sebaceous glands?

• A. Epidermis
• B. Dermis
• C. Hypodermis
• D. Endodermis

Answer: (B)

The true skin is the dermis. It’s a thick layer of connective tissue that provides strength and houses the skin’s appendages, including sweat glands and sebaceous glands, which are responsible for cooling the body and keeping the skin lubricated. The epidermis sits on top as a protective, keratinized layer and doesn’t contain glands; it relies on the dermis for nutrients via blood vessels. Beneath the dermis lies the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue), which is mainly fat and tissue that anchors the skin to deeper structures and isn’t considered part of the skin proper. Endodermis isn’t a layer of human skin.