Which layer lies immediately beneath the epidermis?

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

Answer: (A)

Think of the skin in two main bands: the outer epidermis and the inner dermis. The part of the dermis closest to the epidermis is the papillary layer. It’s made of loose connective tissue with tiny blood vessels and nerve endings, and it forms dermal papillae that interlock with the epidermal ridges to strengthen the connection and optimize nutrient exchange via the basement membrane. Deeper in the dermis is the reticular layer, and below the dermis lies the hypodermis. The epidermis sits above all of this. So, the layer immediately beneath the epidermis is the papillary layer.