Which layer of skin contains hair follicles and sweat/oil glands?

The dermis is the layer of skin that lies beneath the epidermis and is responsible for housing hair follicles, sweat glands, and oil glands. This layer is composed of dense connective tissue that provides structural support and elasticity to the skin. The presence of hair follicles and glandular structures in the dermis is essential for various skin functions, including thermoregulation—achieved through the action of sweat glands—and the maintenance of skin moisture and protective properties through sebaceous glands that produce oil.

The dermis also contains blood vessels, nerves, and collagen fibers, all of which contribute to the overall health and function of the skin. This layer is thicker than the epidermis and plays a critical role in supporting the outer layer of skin by supplying necessary nutrients and removing waste.

The epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin, does not contain these structures; it consists mainly of keratinocytes and is responsible for providing a barrier against environmental factors. The subcutaneous layer, situated beneath the dermis, primarily consists of fat and connective tissue and serves to insulate and cushion the body, rather than containing hair follicles or glands. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis itself, made up of dead skin cells that