Blood vessels, but NOT lymph vessels are located in the _________.

• A. Stratum corneum
• B. Papillary layer
• C. Reticular layer
• D. Epidermis

Answer: (B)

The papillary layer is the superficial dermal layer that contains a capillary network (dermal papillae) supplying nutrients and oxygen to the overlying epidermis by diffusion. Lymphatic vessels are not located in this thin, loose connective tissue layer in many skin histology references used for exams; they are found in deeper dermal layers and subcutaneous tissue to handle drainage and immune function. The epidermis itself has no blood or lymphatic vessels, so nourishment comes from these papillary capillaries beneath it; that makes the papillary layer the location with blood vessels but without lymphatic vessels.