Vetinerary Assistant Practice Exam

What does the dermis layer of skin contain?

1. Hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and arrector pili

2. Blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue

3. Fat cells, sweat glands, and lymph nodes

4. Epithelial cells, collagen, and elastin fibers

The correct answer is: Hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and arrector pili

The dermis layer of skin is rich in a variety of components that support its structure and function. One of the primary roles of the dermis is to provide strength and elasticity to the skin, which is largely due to its dense connective tissue. This layer contains essential elements such as blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, which play crucial roles in nourishing the skin, providing sensation, and supporting immune functions. In particular, the presence of hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and arrector pili muscles in the dermis is significant. Hair follicles are responsible for the growth of hair, while sebaceous glands secrete oil that lubricates the hair and skin, helping to maintain hydration and provide protection. Arrector pili muscles are tiny muscles attached to hair follicles that can contract to cause hair to stand on end, a reaction often referred to as goosebumps, contributing to thermoregulation and emotional responses. Other choices present components that do not accurately represent the primary contents of the dermis. For example, fat cells are typically found in the hypodermis, which lies beneath the dermis, while epithelial cells are more characteristic of the outer epidermis layer. While lymph nodes are part of the immune system, they are not located