What characterizes the dermis layer of the skin?

The dermis is a vital and complex layer of skin located beneath the outer epidermis. It is characterized by a rich extracellular matrix and various structures that provide both function and support to the skin. The key feature of the dermis is its composition, which includes blood vessels, sensory receptors, and connective tissue.

Blood vessels within the dermis play essential roles in thermoregulation and the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin while helping to remove waste products. Additionally, the presence of sensory receptors in the dermis allows the skin to respond to various stimuli, such as pressure, pain, and temperature changes, contributing to the sensory experience of touch.

The other options do not accurately describe the dermis. For instance, it does not consist only of nerve endings, nor is it primarily made of adipose tissue, which is found more abundantly in the hypodermis (subcutaneous layer). Furthermore, the epidermis is composed of multiple layers of squamous cells, but the dermis itself is primarily a connective tissue layer that contains collagen and elastin fibers, rather than having multiple squamous cell layers.