The part of the skin which is located next to the epidermis is the _________.

• A. Reticular dermis
• B. Hypodermis
• C. Papillary layer
• D. Epidermal layer

Answer: (C)

The papillary layer is the portion of the dermis that lies directly beneath the epidermis. Its loose connective tissue and dermal papillae anchor the epidermis and increase the surface area for nutrient and waste exchange, helping nourish the epidermis. It also contains capillaries and sensory nerve endings, which explains its role in sensation. The deeper layer is the reticular dermis, the hypodermis lies below the dermis, and the epidermal layer is the outermost skin layer.