Where are blood vessels located?

• A. Epidermis
• B. Dermis
• C. Dermis and subcutaneous
• D. Hair shaft

Answer: (C)

Blood vessels run through the dermis and the underlying subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis has no direct blood supply, so its nutrients come from vessels in the dermis by diffusion. The dermis contains a network of capillaries and, deeper down, larger vessels that supply the skin and hair follicles. The hair root gets its blood supply via vessels in the dermis (through the dermal papilla), while the subcutaneous layer houses even larger arteries and veins that nourish the skin and deeper structures. The hair shaft itself is keratinized and has no blood vessels.