The dermis comprises which two layers?

• A. Stratum Corneum and Lucidum
• B. Epidermis and Dermis
• C. Hypodermis and Fascia
• D. Papillary and Reticular

Answer: (D)

The dermis is the middle, supportive layer of the skin divided into two sublayers: a superficial papillary layer and a deeper reticular layer. The papillary layer is loose connective tissue just beneath the epidermis and contains dermal papillae with capillaries and nerve endings that nourish and sense the surface. The reticular layer lies deeper and is made of dense irregular connective tissue with collagen and elastin fibers, giving the skin its strength and elasticity while housing hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands, blood vessels, and nerves.

That combination—the papillary layer and the reticular layer—is why this option is correct. The other choices refer to parts of other skin structures: the Stratum corneum and Lucidum are epidermal layers; the Epidermis and Dermis describe two major skin layers rather than the two dermal sublayers; and the Hypodermis and Fascia are deeper tissues outside the dermis.